is a gradual change in the genetic character of populations over many generations, achieved largely through the mechanism of natural selection
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natural selection
is an evolutionary driving force, sometimes called "survival of the fittest". In this context, the meaning of "fitness" is understood to be "best-suited to the niche"
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Natural Selection stages
1) Variation exists and there is overproduction so competition for resources; 2) Some individuals are thus fitter than others; 3) Fitter individuals reproduce more successfully; 4) Offspring inherit genes that give advantage
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Speciation
the formation of new species when populations of a species become isolated and evolve differently from other populations.
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Isolation of populations: Causes
barriers such as mountain formation; changes in rivers, sea level change, climatic change or plate movements
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Plate tectonics
the surface of the Earth is divided into crustal, tectonic plates, that have moved throughout geological time. This has led to the creation of both land bridges and physical barriers with evolutionary consequences.
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Mass extinction causes
tectonic plate movements, super-volcanic eruption, climatic changes (including drought and ice ages), and meteorite impact
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Biogeography
the study of the distribution of species and their evolution in relation to geographical distribution
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disjunct distribution
when one species or sister species are distributed in two very different locations, e.g. New Zealand and Chile
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plume
location where a column of magma rises up to the surface - not associated with a plate boundary
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core
the centre of the earth
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mantle
molten rock between the core and the crust of the Earth's surface
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Aesphenosphere
the upper part of the mantle - acts like a molten plastic
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Crust
the cooled rock that floats on the mantle - divided into plates
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palaeontology
the study of fossils
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geomorphology
the study of the shapes of the Earth's surface
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ratites
ostrich like birds that share a common ancestor, including, rhea, emu, kiwi, cassowary and extinct elephant birds and moa.
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adaptive radiation
a group of closely related species that have rapidly evolved from one common ancestor, usually on islands where empty niches exist
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biodiversity hotspot
biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction.
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invasive species
a species not native to an area which is causing a problem to local species
Studied by 3 people
