Download Evolution Unit Vocabulary Vocabulary word Definition Mutation A

Evolution Unit Vocabulary
Vocabulary word
Definition
Mutation
A random, spontaneous change in the DNA. Mutations can be passed on
the next generation. Mutations can result in favorable changes in the
phenotype (adaptations), no change in the phenotype, or unfavorable
changes in the phenotype that can impede an organism’s ability to exist in
its environment.
Mutagen
Something that causes a mutation
Genetic Variation
Adaptation
Structural Adaptation
Camouflage
Behavioral Adaptation
Any difference between cells, individual organisms, or groups of
organisms within a species caused by genetic differences (mutations).
A genetic characteristic that helps an organism to survive in their
environment.
Any structural variation that makes an organism better suited to its
environment based on its physical features
The coloration and/or texture that enables an animal to blend in with its
environment.
An behavior that an animal does that makes it better adapted to its
environment
Mimicry
When one animal copies the appearance, actions, or sounds of
another animal as a means of survival.
Species
A group of organisms whose members can successfully reproduce.
Population
All the individuals of one species in a given area.
Speciation
The process by which two populations of the same species become so
different that they can no longer interbreed.
Natural Selection
The process by which organisms with favorable traits survive and
reproduce at higher rates than organisms without the favorable trait
Limiting Factors
Carrying Capacity
Needed resources that are in limited supply. Organisms compete for
limiting factors and those best able to obtain limiting factors are usually the
organisms that are able to survive and reproduce.
The largest population that a given environment can support over a long
period of time.
Extinction
When a species of dies out completely.
Evolution
The process by which populations accumulate inherited changes over
time.
Vestigial Structure
Embryonic Structures
Fossil
A body part that has become small and lost its use because of
evolutionary change.
The anatomical (body) parts that make up an organism in the early stages
of development
The solidified remains or imprints of a once-living organism.
Fossil Record
A historical sequence of life indicated by fossils found in layers of the
Earth’s crust.
Radiometric Dating
the process of measuring the absolute age of geologic material by
measuring the concentrations of radioactive isotopes and their decay
products.
Charles Darwin
British naturalist who studied Galapagos finches and helped develop the
theory of evolution
microevolution
Change within a population which can be observed generation to
generation
macroevolution
Change in a population resulting in the formation of a new species.
Macroevolution cannot be observed because it may takes too long to
occur