Evolution - Vocabulary
What is convergent evolution?
Species evolve slowly over time (model)
What is gradualism?
Homologous, analogous, vestigial structures
List the three (3) common features during embryo development
1. Tailbone 2. Backbone (vertebrate) 3. Pharyngeal arches (gill pouches)
Different structure but same function; does not indicate evolutionary relationship
What are analogous structures?
Change in a population over time
What is evolution?
A change in DNA; point or frameshift
What is a mutation?
All available (different) genes in a population
What is gene pool?
Selecting organisms (mates) based on specific traits
What is non-random mating?
Small changes in a population over time
What is MICROEVOLUTION?
Structure has lost all or part of its original function
What are vestigial structures?
A chance (random events) causing change in allele frequencies for a small population?
What is genetic drift?
Known as the "Father of Evolution"?
Charles Darwin
Increases the likelihood of surviving and reproducing, so genes are more likely to be passed on to offspring
What is reproductive success?
Theory of Evolution
Abrupt/rapid bursts of change; speciation is not constant
What is punctuated equilibrium?
Name the mechanism that acts on adaptations?
Natural Selection
Variation (inherited trait) that helps an organism survive in its environment
What is an adaptation?
Factor that must be present for speciation to occur
What is isolation?
Developmental evidence that examines similarities in embryo stages
What is embryology?
Defined as the formation of new species
What is speciation?
Changes in allele frequency due to movement
(ex. immigration, emigration)
What is gene flow?
Better adapted (more fit) individuals to their environment survive and reproduce
What is natural selection?
Anatomical features that share same structure but have different functions
What are homologous structures?
Selective breeding of plants and animals to promote the occurrence of desirable traits
What is artificial selection?