Evolution and Natural Selection

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

Evolution

Change of organisms over time; studies how modern organisms descended from ancient organisms.

Theory of Evolution

A well-supported, testable explanation of how life has changed and diversified over time.

Charles Darwin

A major figure in the study of evolution, known for his observations aboard the H.M.S. Beagle.

H.M.S. Beagle

The ship on which Charles Darwin traveled for four years to observe and collect specimens.

Galápagos Islands

Islands with varying climates and vegetation that played a crucial role in Darwin's observations.

Fossils

Remains of ancient organisms that provide evidence of evolutionary change and relationships to modern species.

Adaptation

The process by which organisms become better suited to their environments, often resulting in physical changes.

Natural Selection

Darwin's mechanism of evolution, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Survival of the Fittest

A term describing the idea that only the best-adapted organisms survive to pass on their traits.

Lamarck's Hypothesis

An early theory of evolution suggesting that organisms can acquire or lose traits in their lifetime and pass them to offspring.

Alfred Wallace

A naturalist who independently developed the idea of natural selection and corresponded with Darwin.