Evolution

Vocabulary

Evolution

Change in allele frequency in a population over time. Example: Transition of land mammals to whales.

Natural selection

Process where organisms better adapted to environment survive/reproduce. Example: Peppered moths.

Survival of the fittest

Ability to survive and REPRODUCE. Example:Fast lion getting more prey/mates.

Overproduction of offspring

Producing more offspring than can survive. Example: Sea turtle eggs.

Variation

Genetic differences within a species. Example: Different finch beak shapes.

Struggle for existence

Competition for limited resources. Example: Elk fighting for territory.

Convergent evolution

Unrelated species evolving similar traits. Example: Sharks and dolphins.

Divergent evolution

Related species becoming more different. Example: Arctic vs. Kit fox.

Artificial selection

Human

Biogeography

Study of where organisms live now vs. ancestors. Example: Marsupials in Australia.

Adaptation

Inherited trait increasing survival chance. Example: Cactus needles.

Population vs. Species

Population = same area; Species = can breed/produce fertile offspring.

Fossil record

total discovered fossils showing history. Example: Archaeopteryx (dino to bird).

Homologous structures

Same structure, different function (common ancestor). Example: Human arm / Whale flipper. [Image of homologous structures]

Analogous structures

Same function, different structure (no common ancestor). Example: Bee wing / Bird wing.

Comparative embryology

Similarities in early development. Example: Vertebrate gill slits. [Image of comparative embryology vertebrate embryos]

Speciation

Formation of new species. Example: Squirrels separated by Grand Canyon.

Comparative DNA

Comparing sequences to show relatedness. Example: 98% DNA match with chimps.

Vestigial organs

Remnant structures with no current function. Example: Human tailbone.

Antibiotic resistance

Bacteria evolving to survive medicine. Example: MRSA.

Cladogram

Branching diagram showing relationships. Example: Primate family tree. [Image of a cladogram]