Evolution Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the evolution lecture notes (pages 1-36).

Evolution

The change in the genetic composition of populations over time.

Scientific Theory

A falsifiable, well-supported framework that explains phenomena and can be revised with new evidence; examples include germ theory, cell theory, relativity, plate tectonics.

Natural Selection

A mechanism by which evolution occurs; individuals with advantageous traits have higher survival and reproductive success.

Alfred Wallace

Independently conceived the idea of natural selection; co-credited with Darwin; Darwin had more data, leading to greater recognition.

Charles Darwin

Proposed natural selection; observations from the coast of South America and the Galápagos; not the first to propose evolution.

Overproduction

Species produce more offspring than resources can support, leading to competition for limited resources.

Struggle for Existence

Competition among individuals for limited resources, resulting in differential survival.

Variation

Individuals within a population differ in traits; some variants are advantageous.

Inheritance

Variation is heritable; offspring receive traits from their parents.

Adaptation

A heritable trait that increases fitness in a given environment.

Transitional Form

Fossil specimens showing intermediary characteristics between major groups.

Tiktaalik roseae

A transitional fossil illustrating features of both fish and tetrapods, linking aquatic and terrestrial forms.

Archaeopteryx

A transitional fossil with both reptilian and avian features, illustrating evolutionary links between dinosaurs and birds.

Comparative Anatomy

Study of anatomical structures across species to infer evolutionary relationships.

Biogeography

Geographic distribution of species; similar flora/fauna across nearby regions supports common ancestry.

Gill arches (pharyngeal arches)

Embryonic structures that develop into jaws and inner ear bones, reflecting vertebrate evolutionary history.

Comparative Embryology

Comparing embryos of different species to reveal developmental similarities and ancestry.

Lactase Persistence

Genetic mutations allowing adults to digest lactose; varies among populations, originated about 20,000 years ago.

Grandmother Hypothesis

Idea that post-reproductive lifespan in humans benefits offspring by enabling grandchildren to increase overall reproductive success.

Mass Extinction

Rapid, global loss of many species; the current trend is the sixth mass extinction driven largely by humans, followed by adaptive radiations.