AUBIO 214 Lecture 3

Theory of descent with modification

A key concept of evolution stating that species evolve from common ancestors through gradual changes over time.

Microevolution

Small-scale changes in allele frequencies within a population over a few generations.

Macroevolution

Larger-scale evolutionary changes that result in the emergence of new species over time.

Artificial selection

A process by which humans select for desirable traits in organisms, leading to changes in species.

Vestigial structures

Anatomical features that were functional in ancestral species but have lost their original function in current species.

DDT-resistant mosquitoes

Mosquitoes that have developed a genetic adaptation allowing them to survive exposure to the pesticide DDT.

Gene frequencies

The relative frequency of different alleles (gene variants) within a population's gene pool.

Evidence for evolution

Data and observations that support the theory of evolution, including microevolution, artificial selection, and comparative anatomy.

Common ancestor

An ancestral species from which two or more descendant species evolved.

Darwin's theory of evolution

The scientific theory proposed by Charles Darwin, stating that species evolve through natural selection and descent with modification.