Principles of Evolution

Question 1

Natural selection

Answer 1

The process that changes allele frequencies when certain heritable traits are associated with different levels of heritable success. More adaptive traits = higher allele frequencies

Question 2

Evolution

Answer 2

The process that results in changes in the proportion of heritable traits within populations from one generation to the next

Question 3

Directional selection

Answer 3

Natural selection that favours extreme phenotypes

Question 4

Stabilizing selection

Answer 4

Natural selection that favours average phenotypes and acts against extreme phenotypes

Question 5

Adaptation

Answer 5

A heritable trait that increases fitness in a certain environment

Question 6

Theory

Answer 6

An explanation or set of hypotheses that attempt to explain a large and pervasive phenomenon - ties together observations

Question 7

Fitness

Answer 7

The ability to produce viable offspring