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 |