darwin Flashcards
evolution
gradual change in the inherited traits (genes) of a population from one gen to the next
how do organisms evolve
- organisms don’t evolve, populations do
- change must occur at genetic level to be passed down
natural selection
- individuals with heritable, favorable traits results in a population that is better adapted to its current environment
- differential process of reproduction
- advantageous traits become more common over time
how does natural selection occur
through interaction between the environment and genetic makeup in individual organisms of population
example of evolution
- antibiotic resistance
- resistant bacteria survive and reproduce
adaptation
structure, behaviour, or process that helps an organism survive in a particular environment
mimicry
example of structural adaptation which helps a harmless species resemble a harmful one, or a colouration in structure.
vestigial structure
structure or feature that has no apparent function but appears to have been from a past ancestor or an ancestral trait (evidence of evolution)
mutations
change in the genetic material of an organismcausing new genes and traits
darwin’s inferences
- individuals in populations compete for resources
- some individuals inherit traits that aid survival/reproduction
darwin’s observations
- more offspring produced than can survive
- food/resources are limited
- individuals in population vary (genetic variation)
- many variations inheritable