Natural Selection Flashcards
DNA
A molecule that is present in all living cells and that contains the information that determines the traits that a living thing inherits and needs to live.
Nucleotide
In a nucleic-acid chain, a subunit that consists of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.
Mutations
A change in the nucleotide base sequence of a gene or DNA molecule
Adaptions
A characteristic that improves an individual’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.
Species
A group of organisms that are closely related and can mate to produce fertile offspring.
Evolution
The process in which inherited characteristics within a population change over generations such that new species sometimes arise.
Fossil
The remains or physical evidence of an organism preserved by geological processes.
Fossil Record
A historical sequence of life indicated by fossils found in layers of the Earth’s crust.
Trait
A genetically determined characteristic.
Selective Breeding
The human practice of breeding animals or plants that have certain desired characteristics.
Natural Selection
The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than less well-adapted individuals do; a theory to explain the mechanism of evolution.
Generation Time
The period between the birth of one generation and the birth of the next generation.
Speciation
The formation of a new species as a result of evolution.
Hominid
A type of primate characterized by bipedalism, relatively long lower limbs, and lack of a tail.
Primates
A type of mammal characterized by opposable thumbs and binocular vision.
