a pattern of evolution in which similar traits arise because different species have independently adapted to similar environmental conditions
Gene Flow
the net movement of alleles from one population to another due to the migration of individuals
Biogeography
the study of the past and present geographical distribution of species populations
Mutation
a permanent change in the genetic material of an organism; the only source of new genetic variation
Founder effect
a change in a gene pool that occurs when a few individuals start a new isolated population
Natural selection
the process by which characteristics of a population change over many generations as organisms with heritable traits survive and reproduce, passing their traits to offspring
Punctuated equilibrium
a model of evolution that views evolutionary history as long periods of stasis, or equilibrium, that are interrupted by periods of divergence
Divergent evolution
a pattern of evolution in which species that were once similar to an ancestral species diverge, or become increasingly distinct
Adaptation
a structure, behaviour, or physiological process that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment
Descent with modification
Darwin’s theory that natural selection does not demonstrate progress, but merely results from a species’ ability to survive local conditions at a specific time
