Evolution and Microevolution Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to evolution and microevolution as described in the lecture notes.

Biston betularia

The scientific name for the peppered moth, known for its variation in coloration.

Natural Selection

The process through which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a population, such as changes in allele frequencies.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits or variations in a population.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations through migration.

Genetic Drift

The random changes in allele frequencies in a population, often due to chance events.

Non-random Mating

A type of mating in which certain traits are preferred, influencing allele frequencies in a population.

Stabilizing Selection

A form of natural selection that favors the average individuals in a population.

Directional Selection

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

Disruptive Selection

A form of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the trait spectrum.

Gene Pool

The total collection of genes and alleles in a population.

Evolutionary Divergence

The process by which two or more related populations evolve different traits due to varied environmental pressures.

Cranial Capacity

The volume of the skull, which is often associated with brain size and cognitive abilities.

Industrial Revolution

The period of rapid industrial growth that led to increased pollution and changes in natural selection for species like the peppered moth.

Sexual Selection

A mode of natural selection where individuals with certain inherited traits are more likely than others to obtain mates.

Allele Frequency

The relative frequency of an allele at a genetic locus in a population.

Evolutionary Forces

The five main factors that can cause changes in allele frequencies in populations, including mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, non-random mating, and natural selection.