Introduction to Evolution

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the theory of evolution, natural selection, and related biological principles.

Evolution

The process through which species change over time, leading to diversity and adaptation.

Natural Selection

The mechanism of evolution where individuals better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Artificial Selection

The process by which humans select for desirable traits in organisms through breeding.

Homology

Similar structures in different species derived from a common ancestor, demonstrating evolutionary relationships.

Analogy

Similar traits in different species that arise independently, often due to similar environmental pressures.

Descent with Modification

Darwin's concept that species evolve over time and share a common ancestry.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and reproduce despite the presence of antibiotics, an example of evolution in action.

Fossil Record

The historical sequence of life on Earth as evidenced by the preserved remains of organisms in geological layers.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of species and ecosystems.

Transitional Forms

Fossils or organisms that exhibit traits common to both an ancestor and its descendants, providing evidence of evolution.

Vestigial Structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the hip bones in whales.

Heritability

The ability of traits to be passed from one generation to the next, a key aspect of evolution.

Misconceptions about Evolution

Common misunderstandings, such as individuals evolving instead of populations or evolution having a goal.

Convergent Evolution

The process whereby unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Anatomical Homology

The study of similar body structures across different species, supporting the theory of common descent.

Molecular Homology

Similarities in DNA or protein sequences that indicate a shared evolutionary ancestry.

Darwin's Finches

A group of finch species that illustrate adaptive radiation and natural selection observed by Charles Darwin.

Lamarckism

An early evolutionary theory proposing that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.

Survival of the Fittest

A phrase often misused to imply that only the strongest survive, when in fact it refers to reproductive success.