Evolutionary Biology II

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on evolution, including definitions of important terms and processes related to Darwin's theory.

Darwinian revolution

A scientific revolution that challenged the traditional views of a young Earth inhabited by unchanging species.

Descent with modification

The process by which species accumulate differences from their ancestors as they adapt to different environments over time.

Natural selection

A process in which individuals with certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than those without those traits.

Adaptation

Inherited characteristics that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction in specific environments.

Unity of life

Shared characteristics among different species that illustrate the common ancestry of life.

Diversity of life

The many differences among organisms, seen in various forms, sizes, and characteristics.

Artificial selection

The process by which humans modify species through selective breeding for desired traits.

Evolutionary trees

Diagrams that reflect hypotheses about the relationships among groups of organisms based on homologous characteristics.

Homology

Characteristics shared by many species that date back to a common ancestor.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

A strain of bacteria that has evolved resistance to methicillin, causing potentially severe infections.

Drug resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.

The Origin of Species

A seminal book published by Charles Darwin in 1859 that laid the foundation for evolutionary biology.

Biotic and abiotic environments

The living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem that influence an organism's development and survival.