Evolution Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the evolution lecture notes, including definitions, processes, and principles related to evolution.

Evolution

The change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Natural Selection

The process where individuals with traits that help them survive and reproduce pass those traits on more often.

Variation

Differences in traits between individuals in a population.

Microevolution

Small changes in allele frequencies within a population.

Macroevolution

Larger changes leading to the formation of new species.

Homologous Structure

Body parts in different species that are similar because they come from a common ancestor.

Allele Frequencies

How common a certain allele is in a population.

Heritable Traits

Traits that can be passed from parents to offspring through genes.

Population Genetics

The study of genetic variation in natural populations.

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

Describes a situation where allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from one generation to the next; no evolution occurring.

Mutation

A change in DNA sequence that creates new genetic variants (alleles).

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies, especially significant in small populations.

Directional Selection

Natural selection that favors individuals near one end of the phenotypic spectrum.

Stabilizing Selection

Natural selection that favors individuals with intermediate phenotypes.

Disruptive Selection

Natural selection that favors individuals with extreme phenotypes.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Ancestral Traits

Traits shared with a common ancestor.

Derived Traits

Traits that differ from the ancestral trait.

Fossil Record

Remains or traces of organisms from the past, providing evidence for evolution.

Genotype Frequency

The proportion of a specific genotype among individuals in a population.