Evolution Vocab Flashcard

Front

Divergent evolution

Back

Occurs when closely related species evolve in different directions from one another.

Front

Convergent evolution

Back

Occurs when two unrelated species evolve similar characteristics.

Front

Founder effect

Back

Occurs when a small number of individuals colonize a new area, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

Front

Coevolution

Back

Occurs when two species evolve in response to one another, often in a predator-prey or mutualistic relationship.

Front

Sexual selection

Back

Occurs when certain traits increase mating success and are therefore passed on to the offspring.

Front

Microevolution

Back

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a population, often due to natural selection, genetic drift, or mutation.

Front

Natural selection

Back

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

Front

Artificial selection

Back

The intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.

Front

Genetic drift

Back

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to significant evolutionary changes over time.

Front

Fitness

Back

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.