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Bio Evolution Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| complementary base pairing | either of the nucleotide bases linked by a hydrogen bond on opposite strands of DNA |
| convergent evolution | organisms not closely related, independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments |
| divergent evolution | is the process of tracing back two or more species to their common ancestor. |
| deoxyribonucleic acid | a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes |
| double helix | a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis, especially that in the structure of the DNA molecule. |
| evolutionary change | a gradual change in the characteristics of a population of animals or plants over successive generations |
| gene flow | is the transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another. |
| genetic drift | variation in the relative frequency of different genotypes in a small population, owing to the chance disappearance of particular genes as individuals die or do not reproduce |
| gradual change model | species are generally morpholgically stable, changing little for millions of years. |
| mutation, natural selection | is the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype |
| nitrogenous base | a nitrogen-containing molecule that has the same chemical properties as a base |
| non-random mating | occurs when the probability that two individuals in a population will mate is not the same for all possible pairs of individuals. |
| punctuated equilibrium model | The theory that new species evolve suddenly over brief periods of time, followed by longer periods during which there is no genetic change |
| speciation | the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. |
| sugar-phosphate backbone | forms the structural framework of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA |