Chapter 2 Flashcards
(13 cards)
Natural selection
The most critical mechanism of evolutionary hangs described by Charles Darwin, refers to genetic change in the frequencies of certain traits in pop. due to differential reproductive success between individuals
Binomial nomenclature
In taxonomy the convention established by carols Linnaeus whereby genus an species names are used to refer to living things (ex. Homo sapiens for humans)
Reproductive success
The number of offspring an individual produces and rears to reproductive age, or an individuals contribution to the next generation
Catastrophism
The view that the earths geological landscape is the result of violent cataclysmic events
Reproductively isolated
Pertaining to groups of organisms that are prevented from mating and producing offspring with members of other such groups(for ex. Cats can’t mate with dogs)
Christian fundamentalists
Adherents to a movement in American Protestantism that began in the early 20 th century. Holds that the teachings of the bible are infallible and should be taken literally
Selective pressures
Forces in the environment this influence reproductive success in individuals
Fertility
The ability to conceive and produce healthy offspring
Taxonomy
The branch of science concerned with the rules of classifying organisms on the basis of evolutionary relationships
Fixity of species
The notion that species once created can never change is diametrically opposed to theories of biological evolution
Uniformitarianism
The theory that the earths feautres are the result of Long term processes that continue to operate in the present just as they did in the past. (Oppose to Catastrophism)
Genome
The entire genetic makeup of an individual or species
Fitness
Pertaining to natural selection, a measure of the relative reproductive success of individuals. Can be measured by an indi. Genetic contribution to the next generation in comparison to anothers
