Genetics and Evolution Vocabulary

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary terms related to genetics and evolution as discussed in the lecture notes.

Phenotype

An organism's visible traits are shaped by genes and the environment.

Genotype

An organism's genetic code.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A rule that says gene frequencies stay the same in a population unless something changes them (like mutations or natural selection).

Gene Pool

All the genes and alleles in a population.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in gene frequencies, especially in small populations.

Mutations

Changes in DNA that create new genetic variations.

Natural Selection

Survival and reproduction of organisms best suited to their environment.

Allele Frequency

How common a specific gene version is in a population.

Population

A group of the same species living and breeding together.

Random Mating

When individuals mate without preference for specific traits.

Gene Flow

Genes moving between populations (e.g., through migration).

Bottleneck Effect

A big drop in population size, reducing genetic diversity.

Polygenic Traits

Traits controlled by many genes (e.g., height, skin color).

Directional Selection

Evolution favors one extreme trait (e.g., bigger = better).

Disruptive Selection

Evolution favors both extremes over the average (can split a population).

Stabilizing Selection

Evolution favors average traits, reducing extremes.

Recombination of Genes

Mixing of parent genes during reproduction, creating new combinations.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA that make individuals unique.

Microevolution

Small changes in gene frequencies within a population.

Evolution

Changes in species over time due to natural selection, mutations, drift, etc.