Microevolution Review Flashcards

Flashcards created for reviewing key concepts in microevolution, including vocabulary, processes, and definitions.

Microevolution

Evolutionary changes that occur at the genetic level within a population.

Gene Flow

Movement of genes into and out of a population which can alter allele frequencies.

Allele Frequency

The relative frequency of an allele at a particular locus in a population.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A principle stating that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant in the absence of disturbing factors.

Natural Selection

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

Genetic Drift

Changes in allele frequency within a population caused by random sampling events.

Mutation

An alteration of the nucleotide sequence in the genome of an organism.

Selection Pressure

Environmental factors that favor certain phenotypes over others.

Directional Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over the average or other extreme.

Disruptive Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors extreme values for a trait over intermediate values.

Stabilizing Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors the average phenotype and reduces variation.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Locus

The specific location of a gene or a DNA sequence on a chromosome.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Phenotype

The observable physical and physiological traits of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, representing its allele composition.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes but possibly different alleles.

Fecundity

The potential reproductive output of an individual; their fertility.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of the same species for resources.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of different species for resources.