Microevolution and Speciation

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to microevolution, speciation, and evolutionary patterns discussed in the lecture.

Microevolution

Small scale changes in allele frequencies within a population over time.

Macroevolution

Large scale changes that occur over long periods of time, often leading to the emergence of new species.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to a loss of genetic variation.

Founder Effect

A form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population.

Bottleneck Effect

A reduction in genetic diversity due to a significant decrease in population size.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Geographic Isolation

A type of isolation that occurs when physical barriers separate populations.

Reproductive Isolation

When populations cannot interbreed due to differences in mating behaviors or physical incompatibilities.

Temporal Isolation

A form of isolation where species do not mate because they breed at different times.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation.

Divergent Evolution

When two or more species evolve from a common ancestor and develop different traits.

Coevolution

The process where two or more species affect each other's evolution.

Convergent Evolution

When unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Analogous Structures

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins.

Homologous Structures

Structures derived from a common ancestor, even if their functions differ.

Gradualism

The theory that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over time.

Punctuated Equilibrium

The theory that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.

Adaptive Radiation

An evolutionary process in which organisms diversify rapidly into a wide variety of forms.