Lecture 2: Introduction to Evolutionary Theory

These flashcards cover concepts related to evolutionary theory and public perceptions of evolution as introduced in the lecture.

Evolutionary Theory

A scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, proposing that species change over time through processes such as natural selection.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Jerry Coyne

An evolutionary biologist known for his work on the theory of evolution and the book 'Why Evolution is True'.

Acceptance of Evolution

The degree to which individuals or populations believe in the scientific theory of evolution as a valid explanation for the origin of species.

Supernatural Entity

A being or force that is beyond the natural world, often associated with religious explanations for the existence of life.

Key lines of evidence for evolution

Fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology (DNA similarities), and biogeography.

Speciation

The evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species, often due to reproductive isolation

Mutations contribute to society

introduce new genetic variations into a population, providing the raw material upon which natural selection can act, leading to evolutionary change