Mechanisms of Evolution and Speciation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to mechanisms of evolution and speciation.

Genetic drift

A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population.

Gene flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Founder effect

A phenomenon that occurs when a new population is established by a small number of individuals, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

Bottleneck effect

A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities, resulting in a loss of genetic variation.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in a population.

Sexual selection

A mode of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to obtain mates.

Pre-zygotic barriers

Factors that prevent fertilization from occurring between species.

Post-zygotic barriers

Factors that reduce the viability or reproductive capacity of hybrid offspring.

Allopatric speciation

The process of speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from one another.

Sympatric speciation

The process of speciation that occurs without geographical separation, typically through reproductive isolation.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a set of species based on shared characteristics.

Synapomorphies

Shared derived traits that are used to help establish evolutionary relationships in a cladogram.