Evolution

evolution

general term, change over time

Gene

a sequence of DNA that codes for a particular trait

Mutations

changes in DNA

Genetic drift

biological evolution that occurs by chance

natural selection

the process by which traits that improve an organism’s chances for survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations than those that do not

Fitness

describes how reproductively successful an organism is in its environment

Adaption

a heritable trait that increases an individual’s fitness

Artificial selection

process of selection conducted under human direction

Speciation

process by which new species are generated

extinction

the disappearance of a species from earth