CHAPTER 19: DESCENT WITH MODIFICATION

These flashcards cover key concepts from Darwin's theory of evolution, the mechanisms of natural selection, and foundational ideas in biology.

Descent with Modification

The process by which species change over time due to accumulated differences from their ancestors as they adapt to their environments.

Natural Selection

A mechanism by which individuals with advantageous inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than those without those traits.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

HMS Beagle

The ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage, during which he collected data that contributed to his theory of evolution.

Uniformitarianism

The theory that Earth's surface features are shaped by natural processes occurring over long periods of time.

Gradualism

The idea proposed by James Hutton that changes in Earth's geological features happen slowly over long timescales.

Linnaean Classification System

A system for naming and organizing organisms created by Carolus Linnaeus, based on grouping similar organisms.

Homology

The existence of similar structures in different species due to shared ancestry.

Convergent Evolution

The phenomenon where organisms in different parts of the world develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments, despite not being closely related.

Over-reproduction

A concept derived from Thomas Malthus where more offspring are produced than can survive, leading to a struggle for resources.

Adaptation

An inherited characteristic that enhances the survival and reproduction of an organism in its specific environment.

Artificial Selection

The process by which humans selectively breed organisms for desired traits.

Vestigial Structures

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

Fossil Record

The mineralized remains of organisms preserved in rocks, providing evidence of past life and changes in species.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of species and the influence of geographic factors on their evolution.