Evolution Vocab Flashcards
Evolution
A.General definition—change over time B.Biological definition—a change in the frequencies of different alleles in a population or species over the course of generations
Microevolution
minor changes in a population
Macroevolution
speciation)—larger-scale changes that eventually result in the formation of new species
true-breeding
always passes down certain phenotypic traits to offspring
hybridization
crossing of two true-breeding varieties
Mutations
A.Fundamental sources of genetic variation 1.change in DNA B.Can be beneficial, neutral, or deleterious C.Low rate—one mutation per 100,000 copies of a gene D.High number of genes increases chances of mutation being present
Gene flow
Occurs when animals move from one population to another
Genetic drift
A.Variation in allele frequencies through random fluctuations B.Bigger impact in small populations C.Genetic bottleneck D. Founder effect
Natural Selection
A.Charles Darwin B.Developed idea of evolution through the process of natural selection. C.Historical background 1.Natural theology 2.Linnaeus & taxonomy D.Fossils 1.Paleontology developed by Cuvier a)Catastrophism
Gradualism and uniformitarianism
1.Hutton—currently operating mechanisms 2.Slow, continuous processes 3.Processes have not changed 4.Therefore: a)Earth must be very old b)Slow processes can add up to substantial change
Homology
Similarity in characteristics resulting from common ancestry
Molecular homology
4.Evolution of insecticide resistance 5.Drug resistance
Fitness
The number of offspring that an organism can be expected to produce 2.Relative measure a)Differential reproduction 3.Depends on environment
Adapt
describes process of genetic change during evolution by natural selection
Adaptation
describes a trait that has been shaped by natural selection
