Natural Selection flashcards

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Natural Selection

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The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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Adaptation

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A characteristic that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

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Variation

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Differences in physical traits among individuals of the same species.

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Mutation

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A random change in the DNA of an organism, which can lead to new traits.

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Trait

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A specific characteristic of an organism, which can be inherited or acquired.

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Gene Pool

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The total collection of genes in a population at any one time.

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Environmental or Selective Pressure

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Environmental factors that influence which individuals survive and reproduce.

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Fitness

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The ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass on its traits to the next generation.

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Survival of the Fittest

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A phrase often used to describe the outcome of natural selection, where 'fit' individuals survive and reproduce.

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Evolution

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The gradual change in species over time through natural selection.