Factors Driving Evolution LS4-2

adaptation

A characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

behavior

The actions and reactions of an organism in response to internal and external stimuli.

beneficial

Having a positive effect or promoting the well-being of an organism.

competition

The interaction between organisms competing for limited resources.

detrimental

Having a harmful or negative effect on an organism.

evolution

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

fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment, often measured by reproductive success.

gene pool

The total collection of genes and alleles present in a population at a given time.

genetic variation

The diversity of genes and alleles within a population or species.

geographic isolation

Physical separation of populations of a species, often leading to reproductive isolation and speciation.

heritable

Capable of being passed from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance.

limited resources

Environmental resources, such as food, water, and space, which are finite and may become scarce.

morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms and their parts.

mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene, which may result in genetic variation and evolution.

natural selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.

phenotypic expression

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from its genotype and environmental influences.

physiology

The study of the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.

population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding.

proliferation

The rapid increase or spread of a population or organism.

reproductive isolation

The inability of members of different populations to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

selective pressure

Environmental factors that favor certain traits or characteristics in a population, influencing natural selection.

sexual reproduction

The production of offspring by the fusion of gametes from two different parents.

sexual selection

A form of natural selection involving the selection of mates based on specific traits or characteristics.

speciation

The process by which new species evolve from existing species.

species

A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

trait

A characteristic or feature of an organism, often determined by its genotype and influenced by environmental factors.