Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to evolution, natural selection, and related biological principles.

Evolution

Change in allele frequencies in a population over generations.

Natural Selection

The process through which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population.

Sexual Selection

A form of natural selection where differences in mating success shape reproductive traits.

Kin Selection

A form of natural selection that favors altruism towards close relatives to enhance their reproductive success.

Altruism

Behaviors that reduce an individual's fitness but increase the fitness of others.

Direct Observation

Evidence for evolution that is based on observing changes in real-time.

Fossil Record

The history of life documented by fossils which provides evidence of intermediate forms and evolutionary changes.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and time, providing evidence for evolution.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

A conceptual tool used to understand how natural selection optimizes traits by evaluating the fitness benefits and costs.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differentiation in physical traits between males and females of the same species due to sexual selection.

Intersexual Selection

Selection where members of one sex choose mates based on certain traits.

Intrasexual Selection

Competition between members of the same sex for access to mates.

Gene Pool

The aggregate of all copies of every type of allele at all loci in a population.

Mutation

An alteration in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, which can lead to genetic variation.

Inclusive Fitness

A measure that combines an individual's own reproductive success and the impact of helping relatives reproduce.

Wear and Tear Hypothesis

A possible explanation for aging which posits that aging results from accumulated damage to cells and tissues.

Phenotype

Observable physical and physiological traits of an organism determined by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic makeup or set of alleles of an organism.