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Evolution

Change in species over time.

Lamarckism

The (disproven) idea that traits acquired during life can be inherited.

Darwinian evolution

Theory that species change over time through natural selection.

Natural selection

Process where the best-adapted organisms survive and reproduce.

DNA sequence

The order of bases (A, T, C, G) in a DNA molecule.

RNA sequence

The order of bases (A, U, C, G) in RNA.

Amino acid sequence

The order of amino acids in a protein.

Artificial selection

Humans choosing which organisms reproduce based on traits.

Selective breeding

Breeding organisms with desired traits.

Homologous structure

Body parts with the same structure but different functions.

Pentadactyl limb

A limb with five digits, found in many vertebrates.

Divergent evolution

One species evolves into several different forms.

Analogous structure

Body parts with similar function but different structure.

Convergent evolution

Different species evolve similar traits.

Cladogram

Diagram showing evolutionary relationships.

Speciation

Formation of a new species.

Reproductive isolation

When groups can't breed due to barriers.

Differential survival

When some organisms survive better than others due to traits.

Biodiversity

Variety of life in an area.

Species richness

Number of different species in an area.

Species evenness

How equal the species populations are.

Extinction

When a species no longer exists.

Mass extinction

Large number of species go extinct at once.

Anthropogenic

Caused by humans.

Ecosystem loss

Destruction of a natural environment.

Mixed dipterocarp forest

Tropical forest with many tall trees.

Temperate rainforest

Cool, wet forest with evergreen trees.

Biodiversity crisis

Rapid loss of species and ecosystems.

In situ conservation

Protecting species in their natural habitats.

Ex situ conservation

Protecting species outside their natural habitats.

Rewilding

Restoring natural processes and species to ecosystems.

EDGE of Existence

Program protecting unique and endangered species.

Habitat

The environment where an organism lives.

Abiotic factors

Non-living parts of an environment (like temperature).

Adaptation

Trait that helps an organism survive.

Physiological adaptation

Internal body change (like producing antifreeze proteins).

Morphological adaptation

Physical trait (like thick fur).

Behavioral adaptation

Actions or habits that help survival.

Range of tolerance

The limits an organism can handle (e.g. temperature).

Limiting factor

Factor that restricts growth or survival.

Coral reef

Marine ecosystem with diverse species and corals.

Biome

Large area with similar climate and life forms.

Tropical forest

Warm, wet forest near the equator.

Temperate forest

Forest with seasons and moderate climate.

Taiga

Cold forest with conifers, also called boreal forest.

Grassland

Area with grasses and few trees.

Tundra

Cold, treeless region with frozen soil.

Hot desert

Very dry area with little rain and extreme temperatures.

Convergent evolution

When unrelated species evolve similar traits.

Niche

Role an organism plays in its ecosystem.

Niche generalist

Can live in many environments.

Niche specialist

Needs specific conditions to survive.

Obligate anaerobe

Can't live with oxygen.

Facultative anaerobe

Can survive with or without oxygen.

Obligate aerobe

Needs oxygen to live.

Photosynthesis

Process where plants use sunlight to make food.

Holozoic nutrition

Eating other organisms for food.

Ingestion

Taking in food.

Digestion

Breaking down food into smaller parts.

Absorption

Taking in nutrients into the body.

Assimilation

Using absorbed nutrients to build body parts.

Mixotroph

Can get energy from both photosynthesis and eating.

Saprotroph

Feeds on dead material using enzymes.

Detritivore

Eats dead material (like worms).

Decomposer

Breaks down dead material and recycles nutrients.

Archaea

Microorganisms different from bacteria and eukaryotes.

Chemoautotroph

Uses chemicals for energy to make food.

Photoautotroph

Uses light for energy to make food.

Dentition

Arrangement and type of teeth.

Herbivore

Eats only plants.

Omnivore

Eats plants and animals.

Herbivory

Animals eating plants.

Predation

One organism eats another.

Light harvesting

Collecting light energy for photosynthesis.

Fundamental niche

All conditions a species could live in.

Realized niche

Where the species actually lives, due to competition.

Competitive exclusion

One species outcompetes and excludes another.

Population

Group of the same species in one area.

Sample

A small part representing a population.

Sampling error

Mistakes due to a small or biased sample.

Quadrat sampling

Method using square frames to count organisms.

Mark-recapture

Tagging animals to estimate population size.

Lincoln index

Formula to estimate population size using mark-recapture.

Carrying capacity

Maximum number an environment can support.

Density-dependent factor

Effect depends on population size (e.g. disease).

Density-independent factor

Affects all populations equally (e.g. weather).

Exponential growth

Rapid population growth with no limits.

Sigmoid curve

S-shaped growth curve with a stable phase.

Logarithmic scale

Scale that increases by powers of 10.

Intraspecific relationship

Interaction within one species.

Community

All living things in an area.

Mutualism

Both species benefit.

Parasitism

One benefits, one is harmed.

Pathogenicity

Ability to cause disease.

Endemic species

Found only in one area.

Invasive species

Non-native species that harm ecosystems.

Chi-square test

A math test to compare observed vs expected results.

Contingency table

Table used to organize data for analysis.

Predator-prey

Relationship where one hunts the other.

Top-down control

Predators control prey numbers.