Evolution & Natural Selection Flashcard

Front

What are mutations?

Back

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome.

Front

What is an analogous structure?

Back

An analogous structure is a body part that shares a common function but not structure, indicating convergent evolution.

Front

What is variation in biology?

Back

Variation refers to the differences among individual members of the same species.

Front

What does Darwin's theory of natural selection state about survival?

Back

According to Darwin's theory, individuals that have variations best suited to the environment are more likely to survive.

Front

What is the outcome for individuals with advantageous variations?

Back

Individuals with advantageous variations are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is adaptation?

Back

Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is fitness in evolutionary biology?

Back

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are body parts that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

Front

Explain the concept of survival of the fittest.

Back

Survival of the fittest refers to the idea that individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.