Amphibians and Reptiles- Mich 2

Metamorphosis

the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.

Thermoregulation

the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal body temperature against external fluctuations

Ectotherm

an animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat.

Endotherm

an organism that generates its own body heat to maintain a stable internal temperature

adaptive feature

physical traits or behaviors that help an organism survive and reproduce in its environment

Fitness

a measure of an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment

Natural Selection

the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin, and it is now regarded as be the main process that brings about evolution.

Evolution

the process of gradual change in the inherited characteristics of living organisms over generations, driven primarily by mechanisms like natural selection

Asexual reproduction

a biological method where a single parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself, without the involvement of gametes or fertilization

Sexual reproduction

a biological process that involves the fusion of male and female sex cells, or gametes, to create a new organism

oviparous

(of an animal) producing young by means of eggs which are hatched after they have been laid by the parent, as in birds.

viviparous

(of an animal) bringing forth live young which have developed inside the body of the parent.

adaptation

Adaptations are physical or behavioral traits that help an organism survive and reproduce in its environment

Variation

the differences in characteristics among individuals of the same species, caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences.

Competition

the interaction between organisms or species for the same limited resources, such as food, water, territory, or mates