Theories of Evolution and Evidence Supporting Evolution

Evolution

Change in inheritable traits over generations.

Natural Selection

Process favoring survival of advantageous traits.

Scientific Theory

Well-supported explanation based on abundant evidence.

Adaptive Radiation

One species evolves into multiple species exploiting niches.

Selection Pressure

Environmental factor affecting survival and reproduction.

Common Ancestor

Ancestral species from which multiple species evolved.

Lamarck's Theory

Organisms evolve through goal-directed changes.

Lamarckian Evolution

Acquired traits passed to next generation (FALSE).

Darwin's Theory

Species evolve from common ancestors over time.

Natural Selection Criteria

Variation, competition, and selection drive evolution.

Survival of the Fittest

Individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce.

Adaptation

Variation enhancing survival chances of organisms.

Variation

Differences in traits within a population.

Competition

Struggle for limited resources among individuals.

Selection

Process where environment favors certain traits.

Biotic Factors

Living components affecting survival and reproduction.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components influencing ecological dynamics.

Ecological Niches (Maybe new term for some students)

Roles and positions of species in ecosystems.

Finch Species

Galapagos finches adapted to various diets.

Genetic Differences

Heritable variations from common ancestors.

Tree of Life (Phylogeny)

Diagram illustrating evolutionary relationships among species.

Environmental Change

Alterations in surroundings influencing species survival.

Extinction

Permanent loss of a species from Earth.

Darwin's Voyage

Five-year journey that shaped Darwin's theories.

Favorable Traits

Characteristics enhancing survival in specific environments.

Inheritable Traits

Genetic characteristics passed from parents to offspring.

Species Variation

Diversity of traits within a species population.

Fitness

Measures an organism's reproductive success.

Adaptive Characteristics

Traits enhancing survival in specific environments.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to environment.

Divergent Evolution

Common ancestors evolve distinct traits over time.

Comparative Anatomy

Study of anatomical similarities among species.

Homologous Structures

Similar structures from common ancestry with different functions.

Analogous Structures

Similar functions but different evolutionary origins.

Comparative Embryology

Study of embryonic similarities indicating common ancestry.

Biochemical Evidence (molecular biology)

Similar DNA and proteins across diverse organisms.

Selecting Pressure

Environmental factors that influence survival and reproduction.

Speciation (new term)

Formation of new and distinct species over time.

Evolution of the Horse

Fossil evidence showing gradual changes in horse lineage.

Evolution of the Whale

Transition from land mammals to aquatic forms.

Peppered Moths

Example of natural selection in response to pollution.

Environmental Conditions

Abiotic factors affecting evolutionary pressures.

Niche Availability (new concept)

New ecological roles leading to divergent evolution.

Fossil Record

Historical evidence supporting evolutionary changes.