Flashcard: Evolution 101

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What is coevolution?

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A form of evolution where two species having a close ecological relationship evolve together, affecting each other's evolution.

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What is gene flow?

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The transfer of genetic material between populations, as seen when a lion joins another pride and mates.

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What is embryology?

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The study of embryos of various organisms to show a common ancestor due to similarities in development.

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What are homologous structures?

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Structures with the same bone structure but different functions, suggesting a common ancestry.

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What is the founder effect?

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The difference in allele frequency in a population due to the establishment of a new population by a small number of individuals.

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What is natural selection?

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The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is mutation?

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A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in an organism.

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What is genetic drift?

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A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

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What is adaptive radiation?

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The process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.