Evolutionary Theory and Adaptation

Flashcards covering key concepts related to evolutionary theory, adaptation, and genetic principles.

Clone

An organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor or stock, to which they are genetically identical.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

Common Ancestor

An ancestral species that is the source of two or more different species.

Evolutionary Fitness

The success of an organism in passing on its genes to the next generation, often measured by the number of offspring.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Adaptations

Inherited characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments.

Sexual Selection

Natural selection arising through preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex.

Inclusive Fitness Theory

The idea that an organism’s genetic success is believed to be derived from cooperation and altruistic behavior towards close relatives.

Byproducts of Adaptations

Side effects of adaptations that may not contribute to survival or reproduction.

Noise or Random Variation

Genetic features that do not affect reproduction or survival.