Evolution - Vocabulary
What is convergent evolution?
Species evolve slowly over time (model)
What is gradualism?
Homologous, analogous, vestigial structures
True or False:
An individual can evolve if the environment is not suitable for its survival.
FALSE
Individuals do NOT evolve - Populations do!
Different structure but same function; does not indicate common ancestry
What are analogous structures?
Change in a population over time
What is evolution?
A change in DNA; point or frameshift
What is a mutation?
Finding melanin proteins in dinosaur fossils told scientists they might have been colored in bright feathers. What type of evidence is this?
Molecular evidence of evolution!
The environmental factor that determines that a trait is more beneficial or not is called a ________ ________.
Selecting agent
OR
selective pressure
What will likely result, after a long period of time, if a natural barrier separates two populations of animals into two separate populations with different environments?
The two populations will evolve into separate species.
Structure has lost all or part of its original function
What are vestigial structures?
Evolution of a species has a greater chance to occur if the following occur (name 3 of 4):
high variation
mutations
genetic recombination
rapid reproduction
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?
Why, in evolutionary terms, is it important for new individuals to come into a population?
They bring new DNA, which brings about evolution.
Increase in genetic diversity!
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?