Evolutionary Theory and Inheritance

Vocabulary flashcards covering key scientists, concepts, theories, and processes related to evolutionary theory and genetic inheritance.

Charles Darwin

Known for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Gregor Mendel

Known for his work on inheritance patterns in pea plants, establishing the laws of Mendelian inheritance.

Carolus Linnaeus

Known for developing binomial nomenclature and the hierarchical classification system for living organisms.

Thomas Malthus

Known for his theory on population growth, suggesting that populations tend to increase faster than the food supply, influencing Darwin and Wallace.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Known for an early theory of evolution involving the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Watson & Crick

Known for discovering the double helix structure of DNA, revolutionizing genetics.

Rosalind Franklin

Known for her crucial X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which were vital for determining its structure.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Independently co-developed the theory of evolution by natural selection with Charles Darwin.

Herbert Spencer

Known for coining the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and applying evolutionary ideas to society.

Punnett's Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a particular genetic cross.

Mendelian Trait

A characteristic determined by a single gene, typically following simple patterns of dominant or recessive inheritance.

Pedigree Chart

A diagram that shows the occurrence and inheritance of phenotypes of a particular gene across generations of a family.

Biocultural Approach

An approach to understanding humans that considers the dynamic interplay between biological and cultural factors.

Scientific Methodology

A systematic process of observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis used to gain knowledge and test ideas.

Quantitative Approach

A research method focusing on numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and relationships.

Qualitative Approach

A research method focusing on non-numerical data like observations, interviews, and texts to understand experiences, meanings, and contexts.

Hypothesis Testing

The process of using statistical methods to determine whether an initial assumption or statement about a population parameter is true.

Eugenics Movement

A social and political movement advocating for the improvement of the human species through selective breeding, often used for discriminatory political purposes.

Evolution

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms, characterized by changes in allele frequencies over time.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary change.

Directional Selection

A type of natural selection where an extreme phenotype is favored over others, shifting the population's average trait in one direction.

Balancing/Stabilizing Selection

A type of natural selection that favors intermediate variants and acts against extreme phenotypes, reducing genetic variation.

Disruptive/Diversifying Selection

A type of natural selection that favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range over intermediate phenotypes.

Sexual Selection

A mode of natural selection driven by competition for mates, involving traits that increase mating success.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Base Pairs

The two complementary nitrogenous bases that form the 'rungs' of the DNA double helix (adenine-thymine, guanine-cytosine).

Alleles

Different forms of a gene, found at the same locus on a chromosome.

Genetic Inheritance

The passing of genetic traits from parents to their offspring through genes.

Modern Synthesis

The unification of Darwinian evolution with Mendelian genetics, providing a comprehensive understanding of evolution.

Population Genetics

The study of genetic variation within populations, including how allele frequencies change over time.

Forces of Evolution

Mechanisms that cause changes in allele frequencies in populations over time: natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.

Microevolution

Evolutionary change within a species or small group of organisms over a relatively short period.

Macroevolution

Evolution on a scale of separated gene pools, typically encompassing changes at or above the species level over long periods.

Speciation

The evolutionary process by which new, distinct species arise from existing ones.