MY

0.1 evolution + natural selection

evolution: change in genetic composition of a population from generation to generation

natural selection

  • mechanism by which evolution takes place

    • across all ecosystems + organisms

darwin’s observations

  • members of a population vary widely in traits

  • traits are heritable

  • not all offspring survive into adulthood due to limited resources

thus….

individuals with heritable traits helpful to survival and reproduction are able to have more offspring which leads to the accumulation of advantageous traits in future generations

misconceptions

  • populations evolve, individuals don’t

  • no such thing as good/bad trait, only fit for environment

  • adaptations appear over a long period, not just “when needed”

  • evolution has no goal

  • evolution doesn’t necessitate complexity

  • humans are not the final form (mewtoo is)

vocab

  • adaptation: inherited characteristic that enhances survival/reproduction in specific environments

  • coevolution: reciprocal evolution between interacting species

  • macroevolution: big evolutionary changes over long periods of time; above species

  • microevolution: small evolutionary changes over short period of time; within species