Evolution
This term refers to the change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, which may result in the development of new species.
What is evolution?
The term for the movement of genes from one population to another due to migration or mating.
What is gene flow?
It is the variation of allele frequencies at or above the level of species over geological time, resulting in the divergence of taxonomic groups, in which the descendant is in a different taxonomic group to the ancestor.
What is macroevolution?
The term used to describe small-scale variation of allele frequencies within a species or population, in which the descendant is of the same taxonomic group as the ancestor.
What is microevolution?
This scientist is known for developing the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.
Who is Charles Darwin?
This phenomenon refers to the disappearance of a large number of species within a relatively short period of time.
What is a mass extinction?
This process introduces new alleles into a population and is the ultimate source of genetic variation.
What is mutation?
The term for the pattern of speciation where populations become more dissimilar over time due to different selection pressures. Homologous structures are present.
What is divergent evolution?
This process, often practiced by humans, involves selecting and breeding specific individuals with desired traits to promote those traits in subsequent generations.
What is artificial selection or selective breeding?
This type of selection favours individuals with traits that are at one extreme of a range of variation.
What is directional selection?
The degree of DNA similarity can be used to infer this type of relationship between species.
What is a phylogenetic relationship?
This type of selection favours individuals with traits that are in the middle of a range of variation.
What is stabilising selection?
This mode of speciation occurs when populations are physically isolated from each other by geographic barriers.
What is allopatric speciation?
This may occur because of a mutation in an allele providing a new trait that opens up new opportunities for subgroups within the species or because of mass extinctions opening up previously occupied niches.
What are causes of evolutionary radiation of species?
This process involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population, often more pronounced in smaller populations.
What is genetic drift?
They are a distinctive, abundant fossil with a wide geographic distribution over a relatively short geological period of time.
What index species or index fossils?
This term describes is the natural capability to produce offspring.
What is Fecundity?
The term for a sharp reduction in the size of a population, leading to reduced genetic diversity.
What is a population bottleneck?
It is a term used when a gene has remained essentially unchanged throughout the evolutionary history of a species.
What is a conserved gene?
The process by which species adapt to their environment through the accumulation of advantageous traits.
What is natural selection?
This phenomenon refers to the evolution of species in response to changes in each other. Usually animals in a symbiotic relationship.
What is coevolution?
The phenomenon where individuals with certain traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce. For example the peacock's tail.
What is sexual selection?
It is an example of coevolution because each species influences the evolution of the other – they effectively imitate each other and look very similar.
What is mimicry?
Darwin was able to explain many observations with his theory of evolution by natural selection, but because he had no knowledge of genetics he could not explain this.
Were mutations the origins of variations?
1 – The numbers of individuals in a population remain approximately constant.
2 – Variation exists within all populations.
3 – Over many generations, new variations gradually accumulate, possibly resulting in new species.
What are the three ideas on which the theory of natural selection is based?