Overview of Evolution and Natural Selection

Vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the lecture on evolution and natural selection.

Three domains of life

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

Multicellular kingdoms within Eukarya

Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.

Branch point

A point on an evolutionary tree that represents the divergence of two lineages.

Testable hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis must be falsifiable and based on observable phenomena.

Lamarckian evolution

The idea that an organism can pass on traits acquired during its lifetime to its offspring.

Convergent evolution

The process where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environments.

Homology

Similar traits in different species that arise from a common ancestor.

Descent with modification and divergence

The principle that species change over time and diversify from common ancestors.

Random evolutionary processes

Processes such as genetic drift and gene flow that occur by chance.

Sexual selection

Selection based on preferences of one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex.

Natural selection

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

Interpretation of histograms

Analyzing the frequency distribution of data represented by bars.

Population dynamics

The study of how and why populations change in size and structure over time.

Population limit mechanisms

Factors that can restrict species growth, such as predation, competition, or limited resources.

Guppy coloration and predation

Bright coloration in male guppies may attract female mates but also increase predation risk.

Scientific argument structure

A claim, supported by evidence, that is explained in terms of how the evidence justifies the claim.