Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the fundamental themes of evolutionary biology discussed in the introductory lecture.

Evolutionary Theory

A scheme or system of ideas that explains a group of facts or phenomena, confirmed by observation or experiment.

Microevolution

Changes within populations over a short period of time, often involving genetics and processes like natural selection, mutation, migration, and genetic drift.

Macroevolution

Evolutionary processes and patterns that occur over long periods of time, including adaptive radiations and mass extinctions.

Natural Selection

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

Parasite

An organism that invades another organism and uses that organism's resources for survival and reproduction.

Host-Pathogen Interactions

The relationship and dynamics between a host organism and a pathogen, often leading to disease.

Mutation

A random change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variation in organisms.

Fossil Record

The preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, used to study evolutionary history.

Cistiscean

A group that includes whales and dolphins, characterized by adaptations to aquatic life.

Involucrum

A thickened structure found in the ear of whales, unique to cetaceans, used to help identify fossilized whale remains.