34 Introduction to Evolution - Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to evolution as discussed in Dr. Stephanie Abramovich's lecture.

Evolution

A heritable change in one or more characteristics of a population from one generation to the next.

Uniformitarianism

The hypothesis that slow geological processes can lead to substantial change over time.

Catastrophism

The theory that Earth’s geological features were shaped by sudden, short-lived, and catastrophic events.

Natural Selection

The process where individuals with favorable inherited traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Descent with modification

The principle that existing species are derived from pre-existing species with changes over time.

Paleontology

The study of fossils.

Artificial Selection

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

Variation

Differences among individuals within a population that can be heritable.

Adaptive Radiation

The evolution of different species from a common ancestor to adapt to various environments.

Selective Pressure

Forces that influence whether a trait is beneficial, leading to differential survival and reproduction.