Lecture 14: Evolution I – The Theory

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to the theory of evolution as discussed in Lecture 14.

Evolution

The slow change of species over time.

Natural Selection

A process where organisms with traits favorable for survival in their environment reproduce more successfully than those without such traits.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce, determined by advantageous traits that increase success in an environment.

Artificial Selection

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for desirable traits.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of antibiotic drugs, a consequence of evolution by natural selection.

Descent with Modification

The principle that all organisms are related through descent from a common ancestor with changes in traits over time.

Acquired Characteristics

Traits that organisms acquire during their lifetime, which Lamarck incorrectly believed could be inherited.

Genetic Mutation

A random change in DNA sequences leading to variations among individuals within a population.

Misconception: Evolution and Natural Selection are the Same

Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution, but many other processes can also cause evolutionary changes.

Selective Pressure

Environmental factors that favor certain phenotypic traits over others, influencing the frequency of those traits in a population.