Adaptation and Natural Selection Flashcards

Flashcards defining core concepts in ecology and genetics, including natural selection, adaptation, genetic variation, and environmental factors.

Species

A group of organisms that are physically similar and can reproduce with each other to produce offspring.

Population

A group of organisms living in the same environment over time.

Trait

A characteristic of an organism, many of which are inherited (genetic).

Environmental Conditions

Variables in the environment such as food and water availability, water quality, temperature, air quality, habitat, and natural hazards.

Probability

The chances or likelihood that something will happen.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that determines the structure of a protein; the combination of genes on chromosomes determines what proteins are made in the cell.

Protein

Large complex molecules that are responsible for traits, make up cell structure, and control most functions in living cells.

Mutation

A random and permanent change to genetic material in a gene, which is rare in nature.

Heritable

A term describing a trait that is able to be passed from parent to offspring.

Distribution

The way that related traits are divided in a population of organisms.

Natural Selection

The process by which individual organisms with traits that are beneficial in their environment are more likely to survive and produce more offspring.

Adaptation

A change over many generations in the distribution of inherited traits in a population that causes organisms in the population to be better able to reproduce.

Resistance

The ability to not be affected by something that is normally harmful.