Evolution and Genetics Vocabulary

This flashcard set provides a comprehensive glossary of terms related to evolution, genetics, and paleontological evidence as discussed in the lecture notes.

Absolute dating

A method used to determine the exact age of rocks or fossils using radioactive decay.

Adaptation

A trait that improves an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.

Allele frequency

The proportion of a specific allele within a population.

Analogous structures

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

Artificial selection

The process where humans select and breed organisms for desired traits.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in an area, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.

Biogeography

The study of how species are distributed across different geographical areas.

Bipedal

Walking on two legs.

Bottleneck effect

A sharp reduction in population size leading to decreased genetic diversity.

Direct evidence

Physical evidence of past life, such as fossils.

DNA hybridisation

A technique used to compare genetic similarity between species by analysing DNA.

Ecosystem diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a region.

Endangered

A species at high risk of extinction.

Evolution

The change in species over time through genetic variation and natural selection.

Evolutionary tree

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships between species.

Extinct

When a species no longer exists.

Fertile

Capable of producing offspring.

Fossil

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Fossil record

The collection of all known fossils and their placement in rock layers.

Fossilisation

The process by which organisms become fossils.

Gene flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations.

Gene pool

The total collection of genes in a population.

Genetic diversity

The variety of genes within a population.

Genetic drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Genetic variation

Differences in DNA among individuals in a population.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Homologous structures

Features in different species that share a common ancestry.

Indirect evidence

Evidence that suggests past life, such as footprints or imprints (trace fossils).

Mass extinction

A period when many species die out in a relatively short time.

Natural selection

The process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.

Radioisotope

An unstable atom that releases radiation as it decays.

Relative dating

Determining the age of rocks or fossils by comparing their position in layers.

Reproductive isolation

When populations cannot interbreed successfully.

Selection pressure

Environmental factors that influence survival and reproduction.

Selective advantage

A trait that gives an organism a better chance of survival or reproduction.

Selective breeding

Breeding organisms to produce desired traits (same as artificial selection).

Speciation

The formation of new species.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Species diversity

The number of different species in a given area.

Stratigraphy

The study of rock layers and layering.

Trace fossil

Evidence of organism activity (e.g., footprints, burrows).

Variation

Differences between individuals in a population.