Natural Selection and Evolution

These flashcards cover key concepts of natural selection, evidence for evolution, and the associated terminologies.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

Evidence for Evolution

Includes biogeography, fossils, anatomy (homologous, analogous, vestigial structures), and embryology.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical features in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry.

Analogous Structures

Features in different species that serve similar functions but evolved independently.

Vestigial Structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Survival of the Fittest

A term that describes the mechanism of natural selection where only the organisms best adapted to their environment survive.

Limited Resources

The idea that resources in the environment are finite, leading to competition among organisms.

Variation Among Individuals

The differences between individuals of the same species that can affect their survival and reproduction.

Adaptive Traits

Traits that give an organism an advantage in its environment, enhancing survival and reproduction.