MBB 222 - Evolution Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core evolutionary biology principles, human lineage, and ongoing viral evolution from MBB 222.

Evolution

The process over time in which a population of organisms exhibits changes in form and function (adaptations) that make its members better suited to their environment (niche).

Natural Selection

The process through which only random inheritable variations (mutations) that are adaptive persist in a population, imparting better reproductive fitness.

Mutation

Random changes in DNA that arise and disappear randomly, persisting across generations only if they provide an adaptive benefit under selective pressure.

Adaptive Benefit

A functional advantage created by a feature or mutation that increases an organism's chances of producing offspring with similar genes within a specific niche.

Selective Pressure

The environmental conditions within a niche that dictate whether a particular mutation or trait provides a functional advantage.

SARS-CoV2

A virus well-adapted to human hosts that attaches to a surface protein on lung cells, replicates efficiently inside, and spreads through exhaled droplets.

Homo sapiens

The modern human species whose past evolution is deduced from fossils and DNA found in well-preserved tissues.

Homo neanderthalis

An extinct hominin species that diverged from human ancestors and previously interbred with Homo sapiens.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations or species, such as that occurring between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo sapiens.

Pan troglodytes

The scientific name for the chimpanzee, which shared a common ancestral primate lineage with hominins approximately 7 million years ago.