Descent with Modification22: A Darwinian View of Life

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the Darwinian view of life and evolution as presented in Campbell Biology.

Descent with modification

A phrase coined by Darwin that describes the process of evolution, where species change over time.

Scala Naturae

A classification system introduced by Aristotle that viewed species as fixed and arranged them on a 'scale of nature'.

Natural Selection

A process in which individuals with favorable inherited traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Paleontology

The study of fossils, which provides insights into the history of life and supports evolutionary theory.

Homology

Similarity resulting from common ancestry, used as evidence for evolution.

Artificial selection

The intentional breeding of organisms by humans for desired traits.

Fossils

Remains or traces of organisms from the past, usually found in sedimentary rock.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of species, providing evidence of evolution through continental drift.

Vestigial structures

Remnants of features that served important functions in the organism's ancestors.

Convergent evolution

The evolution of similar traits in distantly related groups due to similar environmental pressures.