Natural Selection and Evolutionary Change

These flashcards cover key concepts related to natural selection and evolutionary processes as discussed in the lecture notes.

Natural Selection

The process by which certain traits increase in frequency within a population due to those traits leading to higher survival and reproduction.

Directional Selection

A type of natural selection that favors individuals at one extreme of a trait distribution, leading to a shift in the population's trait distributions.

Stabilizing Selection

A type of natural selection that favors intermediate variants over extreme phenotypes, thereby reducing variation.

Agents of Selection

Factors in the environment that influence which individuals survive and reproduce, such as predators, food availability, and competition.

Extended Phenotype

Structures created by an organism that can influence its success, which are not part of its physical body but embody its genetic influence.

Natural Experiment

An empirical study where organisms are exposed to conditions determined by nature that can provide insights into selection and adaptation.

Selective Sweep

Process where a beneficial mutation increases rapidly in frequency within a population, often reducing genetic variation.

Cryptic Coloration

Camouflage that helps organisms avoid detection by predators, allowing them to blend into their environment.

Herbicide Resistance

The ability of certain plants, especially weeds, to survive herbicide applications due to genetic changes.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA among individuals that can lead to diversity in phenotypes and influence a population's ability to adapt.