Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection + Microevolutionary Changes + Convergent and Divergent Evolution Flashcards
How many levels of biodiversity are there?
(1) genetic diversity
(2) species diversity
(3) ecosystem diversity
What is the importance of biodiversity?
What is genetic diversity?
the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic make-up of species
What is species diversity?
a measure of the diversity of different species in an ecological community
What is ecosystem diversity?
The variation of different ecosystems found in a region
What is evolution?
“descent with modification”. a change in the biological characteristics of a species over successive generation
What is natural selection?
a mechanism for evolution. organisms with INHERITED traits that make it easier for them to survive and reproduce → they survive and reproduce, leaving more offspring than those organisms without the favourable traits → there will be more organisms surviving because of the trait and producing offspring with the trait → the frequency of these traits will increase over generations
What is the effect of natural selection on a population?
it causes populations to become adapted or increasingly well-suited to their environment over time
What is the deciding factor in natural selection?
the environment of the organism
