Adaptations and Change Over Time Vocab. Flashcards
Sexual Reproduction
A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism which differs from both parents
Asexual Reproduction
A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
Species
A group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce offspring that can also mate and reproduce
Adaptation
An inherited behavior or physical characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment
Evolution
Change over time; the process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms
Scientific Theory
A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results
Natural Selection
The process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce
Variation
Any difference between individuals of the same species
Behavioral Adaptation
A behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment
Structural Adaptation
A physical characteristic that allows an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment
Physiological Adaptation
A biochemical function that makes an organism better suited to its environment
Hibernation
An animal’s state of greatly reduced activity that occurs during the winter
Migration
The regular, seasonal journey of an animal from one environment to another and back again for the purpose of feeding or reproduction
Selective Breeding
Process when humans breed other animals to get specific traits
Environmental Pressures
Factors that cause environmental change
