Evolution Test Review

Key Terms

Adaptation

An inherited trait that improves an organism’s chances of surviving and reproducing in its environment.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genes among individuals in a population.

Selective Advantage

A trait that gives an organism a better chance to survive and reproduce.

Drug-resistant bacteria

Bacteria that survive antibiotics due to mutations and reproduce, spreading resistance.

Natural Selection

Process where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

Monoculture

A population or crop with very little genetic variation.

Gene Pool

All the alleles present in a population.

Artificial Selection

Humans choosing which organisms reproduce based on desired traits.

Scientific Hypothesis

A testable explanation for observations.

Scientific Theory

A well-supported explanation based on extensive evidence.

Allele Frequency

How common an allele is in a population.

Gene Flow

Movement of alleles between populations through migration.

Variation

Differences between individuals in a species.

Mimicry

When one species resembles another for protection or advantage.

Selective Pressure

Environmental factor that affects survival and reproduction.

Extinct

When all members of a species have died out.

Fitness

Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce.

Mutation

A change in DNA that creates new alleles.

Convergent Evolution

Different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environments.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Long periods of little change interrupted by short periods of rapid evolution.

Adaptive Radiation

One species rapidly evolves into many species adapted to different niches.

Allopatric Speciation

Formation of new species due to geographic isolation.

Temporal Barrier

A reproductive barrier where species reproduce at different times.

Divergent Evolution

Related species become increasingly different over time.

Sympatric Speciation

New species form without geographic isolation.

Directional Selection

Natural selection favors one extreme phenotype.