Introduction to Evolution

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to Darwin's theory of natural selection and the associated experiments in biology.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Descent with Modification/Evolution

Explanation for how extant species could emerge from species that are now extinct.

Survival of the Fittest

A concept often associated with natural selection, where the fittest individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Competition for Resources

The struggle among individuals in a population for limited resources such as food, mates, and habitat.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA among individuals within a population, which can influence survival and reproduction.

Evolution

The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Extant Species

Species that are currently living and not extinct.

What did Darwin theorize?

He theorized that organisms could change over time and that they could go extinct, also indicating that new species could emerge.