Darwin's Theory of Evolution

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to Darwin's Theory of Evolution and Natural Selection.

Species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Genetic Variation

The range of the possibilities for a trait within a species.

Evolution

The change in a species over time; the result of natural selection. Individuals cannot evolve, only a species can evolve.

Natural Selection

Process where individuals with traits that help in their survival will live longer and pass on those favorable traits to their offspring.

Adaptations

Variations that are beneficial to an organism’s survival.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene.

Gene Pool

The common group of genes shared by members of a population that interbreed.

Allelic Frequency

The measure of the relative frequency of an allele in a population, expressed as a proportion or percentage.

Fitness

How well an organism can survive and reproduce in its environment.

Microevolution

Changes the gene pool of a species; change in allele frequency of a trait(s). Species stays intact.

Macroevolution

Changes are so drastic or a type of isolation yielded an entirely new species. Affects the world’s biodiversity.

Speciation

Formation of a new species.