Theory of Evolution

These flashcards provide definitions and explanations of key vocabulary and concepts related to the Theory of Evolution.

Evolution

Undirected change over time.

Theory of Evolution

The process that existing forms of life have evolved from earlier forms over a long period of time.

Lamarckism

The theory that organisms can acquire or lose traits based on use or disuse, which can then be passed to offspring.

Natural Selection

A process where individuals better suited to their environment survive and reproduce, leading to changes in a population over time.

Fitness

The ability of an individual to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Survival of the Fittest

The concept that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Descent with Modification

The principle that species change over time through adaptations to fill different environments.

Cladograms

Diagrams that show proposed ancestry of organisms based on shared traits.

Homologous Structures

Structures in different species that are similar in form and structure but have different functions.

Comparative Embryology

The study of the similarities in the embryonic development of different organisms.

Gene Pool

The combined genetic information of all members of a population.

Gene Flow

Changes in allele frequencies in a population due to the movement of individuals in and out.

Microevolution

Evolutionary change within a species, primarily by means of natural selection.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods.

Intelligent Design

The theory that life and the universe are the result of a purposeful design by an intelligent entity.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of the genus and species names.