Natural Selection Vocabulary

For Quiz On Wednesday

Adaptation

A genetically controlled trait (CAN BE…..Behavior or physical characteristic)

……..that allows individuals of a species population to survive in their environment and reproduce.

Artificial Selection

Is when humans intentionally breed plants or animals for specific traits.

Charles Darwin

A naturalist who noticed the diversity of life (including fossils) on his voyage in the Galapagos.

He theorized that modern species originated from ancient organisms but evolved based on adaptations to the environment (theory of evolution).

Diversity

Different alleles (versions of traits) present in a species population.

Evolution

The process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms.

Fitness

An organism that is “fit” will be able to survive and reproduce.

Genotype

Genotype is the genetic code of an organism. These are the alleles or variations for certain traits.

Inheritance

The passing of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring.

Mutations

Any change in the DNA of a gene or chromosome which can be inherited from a parent or acquired during an organism’s life. Inherited mutations occur when they pass from parent to offspring during reproduction. They may be harmful, beneficial or neutral. Beneficial mutations may lead to evolution in a species.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.

Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success.

This process causes species to change and diverge over time.

Offspring

The product of reproduction; progeny, new generation.

Peppered Moths

Are a classic example of Natural Selection. The population shifted from mostly light-colored to mostly dark-colored during the Industrial Revolution due to pollution darkening the trees.

Phenotype

Phenotype is the the physical appearance or features of an organism.

Population

The inhabitants of a reproducing species within a given ecosystem.

Species

A group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.