Traits

Trait

A distinguishing characteristic of an organism that makes it unique and is inherited from parents.

Generation

A group of individuals born and living at the same time; the time span between the birth of parents and the birth of their children.

Population

All the organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time.

Variation

A slight difference in an inherited trait among individual members of a species; creates diversity in a population.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with variations that help them survive in their environment live longer, compete better, and reproduce more.

Albinism

A genetic variation that results in an animal being all white, which can be harmful because it makes them easier to spot by predators.

Common Ancestors

The concept that different species share a lineage from a common ancestor, leading to variations suited for different environments.

Artificial Selection

The selection and breeding of organisms for desired traits by humans, akin to natural selection but driven by human choice.

Selective Breeding

A process where humans select specific traits in organisms to breed for desirable characteristics.

Health & Mate Selection in Birds

In marine birds, foot color variation indicates health, making brighter colored feet desirable for female selection.

Competition

The demand for resources such as food, water, and shelter in short supply in a community, influencing survival and reproduction.