Evolution vocab

change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift

• adaption

• natural selection

• evolution

• fitness

the genetic contribution of an individual to the next generation's gene pool relative to the average for the population, usually measured by the number of offspring or close kin that survive to reproductive age

• adaption

• natural selection

• evolution

• fitness

major evolutionary transition from one type of organism to another occurring at the level of the species and higher taxa

• vestigial structure

• macroevolution

• microevolution

• fossil

minor evolutionary change observed over a short period of time.

• vestigial structure

• macroevolution

• microevolution

• fossil

structure that is inherited from ancestors but has lost much or all of its original function

• fossil

• vestigial

• homologous

• natural selection

corresponding in structure and in origin, but not necessarily in function

• fossil

• vestigial

• homologous

• natural selection

any remains, impression, or trace of a living thing of a former geologic age, as a skeleton, footprint, etc.

• fossil

• vestigial

• homologous

• natural selection

a process in the breeding of animals and in the cultivation of plants by which the breeder chooses to perpetuate only those forms having certain desirable inheritable characteristics.

• variation

• natural selection

• artificial selection

a difference or deviation in structure or character from others of the same species or group.

• variation

• natural selection

• artificial selection

• speciation

the process by which forms of life having traits that better enable them to adapt to specific environmental pressures, as predators, changes in climate, or competition for food or mates, will tend to survive and reproduce in greater numbers than others of their kind, thus ensuring the perpetuation of those favorable traits in succeeding generations.

• variation

• natural selection

• artificial selection

• Evolution