Natural Selection Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts related to disruptive selection in evolution, including definitions, examples, and comparisons with other forms of selection.

Disruptive Selection

A type of natural selection that favors both extreme phenotypes over intermediate phenotypes.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Example of Disruptive Selection

Darwin's finches where individuals adapted to either hard or soft seeds during drought conditions survived based on their beak size.

Genetic Diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, often influenced by selection processes.

Directional Selection

A form of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over others.

Intermediate Phenotype

A phenotype that is not dominant or recessive but lies between extremes in a continuous trait.

Impact of Drought on Selection

Drought conditions can lead to selective pressure that favors specific traits in a population, as resources become scarce.