Evolutionary Biology Terms Flashcards

Evolutionary biology Terms flashcards are a set of cards that contain important terms and definitions related to the study of evolutionary biology. These flashcards can help students learn and remember key concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Evolutionary biology is the study of how living organisms have evolved and changed over time through the process of natural selection. It explores how species adapt to their environments and how new species emerge through genetic variation and other mechanisms.

Using Evolutionary biology flashcards can help students improve their memory retention and recall of important concepts. Flashcards are a proven study tool that can make learning more engaging and effective, allowing students to quiz themselves and reinforce their understanding of the subject.

Learn Evolutionary Biology Terms With Flashcards

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quick facts

  • Adaptation: This term refers to how organisms change over time to better survive in their environment.
  • Natural Selection: This is the process where organisms that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
  • Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring is called a species.
  • Fossil: The remains or traces of organisms from the past are known as fossils.
  • Genetic Variation: Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population contribute to genetic variation.

card list

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Natural selectionNatural selection: process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations.
AdaptationAdaptation: A change in an organism that helps it survive in its environment.
Genetic driftGenetic drift: Random changes in gene frequencies in a population.
MutationMutation: A change in an organism’s DNA that can result in a new trait or characteristic.
SpeciationSpeciation: The process by which new species evolve from existing ones.
FitnessThe ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.
Sexual selectionProcess by which individuals within a species choose their mates based on certain traits.
Gene flowGene flow: the transfer of genes from one population to another through mating or reproduction.
HomologyHomology: Similarity in structure or function between different species due to shared ancestry.
Convergent evolutionWhen unrelated species develop similar traits or characteristics to adapt to similar environments.
Divergent evolutionDivergent evolution: When two or more species evolve differently from a common ancestor.
PhylogeneticsPhylogenetics: The study of how living things are related to each other through evolution.
Population geneticsStudy of how genes and traits are passed down in a population.
Allele frequencyAllele frequency: The proportion of a specific allele in a population.
MicroevolutionChanges in the gene pool of a population over a short period of time.
MacroevolutionMacroevolution: Evolution that occurs over long periods of time and results in the formation of new species.
CoevolutionWhen two species evolve together because of their interactions with each other.
ExtinctionExtinction: When a species of plants or animals no longer exists.
Fossil recordFossil record: The collection of all the fossils that have been discovered, showing the history of life on Earth.
Molecular evolutionMolecular evolution: The study of how genes and proteins change over time in different species.
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