Introduction to Evolution

An evolutionary process in which organisms diversify rapidly form an ancestral species into several divergent forms:

A gene that has remained essentially unchanged throughout evolution

Theory that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce

A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction

Diversification of species

A particular animal or plant species which has no more individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world

A distinctive, abundant fossil with a wide geographic distribution over a relatively short geological period of time

A novel phenotypic trait that allows an organism to evolve to exploit a new niche or resource, resulting in the subsequent radiation and success of a taxonomic group

The hypothesis that an organism can pass on characteristics acquired during its lifetime to its offspring

Major evolutionary change at or above level of species over geological time