Term | Definition |
EVOLUTION | Changes in genetic composition of a population
Through successive generations |
GENETIC DRIFT | The process by which gene frequencies in small populations are changed |
MIGRATION | Organism movement |
EMIGRATION | Refers to the movement of organisms out of a group |
IMMIGRATION | The movement of organisms into a group |
SPECIES | A group of organisms of similar structure;
Capable of mating AND producing offspring |
ADAPTATION | Changes in structure or function
Allows for success of a species
To survive all living things NEED to be suited to its environment.
i.e., Squirrels have sharp, strong claws for gripping tree trunks |
ADAPTIVE RADIATION | A species evolves into various subgroups adapting differently to the environment;
Evolutionary pattern by which a single ancestral species evolves into many species |
NATURAL SELECTION | Organism with favorable trait reproduces at higher rate |
TAXONOMY | Science of classifying organisms based on evolutionary relationships |
CLASSIFACATION LEVELS | Every organism can be classified at 7 different levels - kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus & species.
Each level contains organisms with similar characteristics. Kingdom largest group & very broad. |
JEAN BAPTISTE LAMARCK | Evolution Contributor;
Believed organism made changes to adapt to their environment;
Passed on these acquired traits to offspring |
CHARLES DARWIN | Evolution Contributor;
Believed in theory of natural selection |
EVOLUTION seeks to ANSWER: | (1) What causes a species to change?
(2) How does an organism realize it has to adapt? |
SPECIATION | The creation of new species;
i.e., When subgroups are isolated for long periods they become so different they are a new species |