Evolution by Natural Selection Flashcards
Allopatric Speciation
Speciation due to a geographical barrier
Analogous
Structures that are different / do not have a common origin
Artificial Selection
The production of offspring that have characteristics that are suitable to humans
Biodiversity
The range of life forms that exist on Earth
Biogeography
Similarities and differences in organisms due to their location on the earth planet
Continuous Variation
A range of different phenotypes exist for a particular characteristic
Discontinuous Variation
There is no range of different phenotypes for a characteristics; it is usually present or absent
Extinction
Elimination of a species from the earth
Fossil
Remains of organisms that have existed in the past
Geographical Isolation
The separation of a population into two by a geographical barrier such as a river, a lake or a mountain
Geographical Barrier
A feature of the land such as a river, a lake or a mountain which may separate a population into two
Hypothesis
A testable statement that can be accepted or rejected
Natural Selection
Organisms survive if they have characteristics that make them suited to teh environment
Paleontology
The study of fossils
Population
Group of organisms of the same species occupying the same habitat
Punctuated Equlibrium
Evolution characterised by long periods of little or no change followed by short periods of rapid change
Radiometric Dating
Process used to determine the age of a fossil by measuring the decay of radioactive substances such as carbon
Relative Dating
Process used to determine the order in which organisms appear on earth
Speciation
The formation of a new species over a period of time
Species
Similar organisms capable of random interbreeding to produce fertile offspring
Theory
Based on a number of different hypothesis, explanation, principles, and laws
