Biology-evolution

Natural Selection

Process where individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more, passing those traits on.

Adaptations

Inherited traits that increase an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction.

Mutations

Random changes in DNA that create genetic variation.

Fossils

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Biogeography

Study of the geographic distribution of species.

Homologous Structures

Structures with similar anatomy due to common ancestry (different functions).

Analogous Structures

Structures with similar functions but different evolutionary origins.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environments.

Divergent Evolution

Related species become more different over time.

Adaptive Radiation

Rapid evolution of many species from a common ancestor.

Vestigial Structures

Leftover structures with little or no function.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Bottleneck Effect

Genetic drift after a population is drastically reduced in size.

Founder Effect

Genetic drift when a small group starts a new population.

Gene Flow

Movement of alleles between populations through migration.

Nonrandom Mating

Individuals choose mates based on traits.

Gene Pool

All the alleles in a population.

Species

Group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Population

Group of individuals of the same species in one area.

Heterozygote Advantage

When heterozygous individuals have higher fitness than homozygous ones.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Condition where allele frequencies remain constant (no evolution).

Speciation

Formation of new species.

Habitat Isolation

Species live in different habitats and don’t meet.

Temporal Isolation

Species reproduce at different times.

Mechanical Isolation

Physical differences prevent mating.

Behavioral Isolation

Different mating behaviors prevent reproduction.

Gametic Isolation

Sperm and egg cannot fuse.

Zygote Mortality

Fertilized egg fails to develop properly.

Allopatric Speciation

New species form due to geographic separation.

Sympatric Speciation

New species form without geographic separation.

Gradualism

Evolution occurs slowly over time.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Long periods of little change interrupted by rapid evolution.

Coevolution

Two species evolve in response to each other.