Evolution Vocab Flashcards

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Adaptation

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A feature that allows an organism to better survive in its environment.

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Descent With Modification

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A number of different species arise from one common ancestor. New environments caused them to evolve to be different.

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Gene Pool

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The combined alleles of all individuals in a population.

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Homologous Structures

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Similar characteristics resulting from common ancestry.

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Speciation

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Forming of a new species by evolution from pre-existing species.

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Analogous Structures

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Similar function, different structure.

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Divergent Evolution

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When unrelated species evolve similar characteristics because they live in similar environments.

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Genetic Drift

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Random change in the frequency of alleles of a population over time.

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Natural Selection

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Some organisms will survive and reproduce better than others, causing changes in the population over time by acting on traits that are heritable.

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Variation

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Differences in the physical traits of organisms.