Evolution Vocabulary

the accumulation of differences between groups which can lead to the formation of a new species.

• divergent evolution
• natural selection
• gene flow
• speciation

results in changes in frequency in the inherited traits over time and occurs when different traits of the individual member of a population are better suited for survival.

• natural selection
• gene flow
• co-evoltuion
• speciation

when humans select which traits are more preferred and intentionally breed organisms for a particular set of characteristics

• analogous structures
• homologous structures
• vestigial structures
• artificial selection

the influence of closely associated species on each other in their evolution

• natural selection
• co-evolution
• adaptation 
• evolution

different origin but similar function

• analogous structures
• homologous structures
• vestigial structures
• extinction

structures used in the past but no longer needed today

• vestigial structures
• co-evolution
• extinction
• genetic drift

the elimination of species

• extinction
• co-evolution
• evolution
• adaptation

the branching of a family tree

• genetic drift
• extinction
• adaptation
• speciation

change in a population over time

• evolution
• extinction
• speciation
• phylogeny

evolutionary history of a species or a group of related species

• phylogeny
• species
• fitness
• paleontology