Evolution

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terminology from the module on evolution.

Evolution

The change in allele frequencies over time in a population.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Speciation

The evolution of one or more species from a common ancestor.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Reproductive Isolation

When different populations of the same species are prevented from interbreeding.

Adaptive Radiation

The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor.

Anatomical Homology

Similarities in structure between different species indicating a common ancestry.

Vestigial Traits

Structures that have lost most or all of their original function in a species.

Batesian Mimicry

A harmless species evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species.

Mullerian Mimicry

Two harmful species evolve to mimic each other.

Punctuated Equilibrium

The pattern of evolution where long periods of stability are interrupted by brief periods of sudden change.

Gradualism

The slow, incremental evolution of species over time.

Artificial Selection

The process in which humans breed specific plants or animals for desired traits.

LUCA

Last Universal Common Ancestor, the most recent common ancestor of all current life on Earth.

Charles Darwin

Naturalist known for his theory of evolution and the concept of natural selection.

Thomas Malthus

Economist whose ideas on population growth influenced Darwin's ideas on natural selection.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Naturalist who independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection.

Gene Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in small populations.

Sexual Selection

A form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are favored in mate selection.