Darwin's Theory of Evolution

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Darwin's Theory of Evolution, including definitions and explanations of important ideas in evolutionary biology.

Biological Diversity

The variety of living things that inhabit our planet.

Scientific Theory

An explanation that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, supported by evidence.

Evolution

Change over time; a heritable change in characteristics within a population from one generation to the next.

Adaptation

Characteristics of organisms that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments.

Natural Selection

The process in which individuals with certain inherited traits leave more offspring than individuals with other traits.

Descent with Modification

The principle that all organisms descended from a common ancestor and that species can change over time.

Common Descent

The principle that all living things are derived from common ancestors.

Artificial Selection

A process where humans breed organisms for desired traits.

Homologous Structures

Body parts that are similar in structure but different in function, indicating common ancestry.

Vestigial Structure

Structures that seem to be left over from a previous ancestor and serve no purpose in the living organism.

Analogous Structures

Structures of different organisms that serve the same function but do not come from a common ancestor.

Biogeography

The study of the locations of organisms around the world.

Transitional Fossils

Fossils that have features and characteristics intermediate between ancient ancestors and their later descendants.

Punctuated Equilibrium

A pattern of long stable periods interrupted by brief periods of rapid change in evolution.

Coevolution

The process by which two species evolve in response to changes in each other.

Lamarck's Theory of Acquired Characteristics

The hypothesis that individuals acquire traits during their lifetime due to experiences and pass them to offspring.