Download Biology First Six Weeks Vocabulary

Evolution Vocabulary and Guiding Questions
TERM
DEFINITION
B.7A (R)
Fossil Record
Biogeography
Homology
Anatomical Homologies
Molecular Homologies
Developmental
Homologies
Evolution
Speciation
Ancestry
B.7B (SS)
Fossil Record
Stasis
Punctuated Equilibrium
Gradualism
Evolution
Vestigial Structure
B.7C (SS)
Evolution
Natural Selection
Fitness
Population
Charles Darwin
Limiting Factor
The total number of fossils, and their locations in rock formations and
sedimentary layers which provides information about those organisms
Study of past and present geographical distribution of species
Two characteristics that are similar because they originated from a common
ancestor
Similar anatomical structures that exist between species and can be
identified as a
link to a common ancestor
DNA and RNA similarities between organisms
Embryonic similarities between organisms of different species
A change in the gene pool of a population that results in a successive
change over time
An evolutionary event that results in the formation of a new species
An organism’s lineage of descendants
The total number of fossils, and their locations in rock formations and
sedimentary layers which provides information about those organisms
Describes a long period of time in which little or no change occurs within a
species
The theory that species evolve rapidly over short periods of time followed by
long
periods of stability where little genetic variation occurs
The theory that species evolve slowly and gradually over extended periods
of time
Change over time
The remnants of a structure that is no longer needed
A change in the gene pool of a population that results in a successive
change over time.
A mechanism of evolution. The process that results in the survival or
reproductive fitness of an individual or group that is best adapted to their
environment (survival of the fittest).
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce
All of the organisms of one species within a particular ecosystem
Scientist who identified the process of natural selection; Darwin studied
finches on
the Galapagos Islands
A biotic or abiotic environmental factor that restricts the growth of a
population
B.7D (SS)
Mutation
Genetic Variation
Biological Fitness
Reproductive Success
Overpopulation
Any change in the sequence of DNA; may result in the production of
incorrect proteins and lead to malfunctions in the processes of the organism
The variety of gene combinations that exist within a population
An organism’s ability to survive and produce viable, fertile offspring
An organism’s ability to pass on its genes
More organisms in an area than an ecosystem can support
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Evolution Vocabulary and Guiding Questions
TERM
Gene Pool
Speciation
B.7E (R)
Adaptation
Biodiversity
Migration
Subspecies
Sympatric Speciation
Allopatric Speciation
Species
DEFINITION
The total number of alleles for each gene that is available within a
population
An evolutionary event that results in the formation of a new species
An alteration in an organism’s characteristics that better enables it to survive
in its
environment
The total variation of species within a given ecosystem
A response to changes in an ecosystem that results in entire populations
moving from one ecosystem to another
A subdivision of the taxonomic group known as species; these organisms
can
interbreed
Formation of a new species that inhabits the same region as the ancestral
species
Formation of a new species when two populations of the same species
become geographically separated and can no longer interbreed
The most specific level of organism classification that contains only one type
of
organism; the second part of the scientific name
B.7F (SS)
Genetic Drift
Gene Pool
Mutation
Allele
Genetic Variation
Gene Flow
Independent Assortment
Crossing Over
Recombination
Random changes in the frequency of alleles within a gene pool; greater
effect on small populations
The total number of alleles for each gene that is available within a
population
Any change in the sequence of DNA; they can be beneficial, neutral, or
dangerous
All of the possible forms of a gene that can occur in an individual
The variety of gene combinations that exist within a population
The movement of genes into and out of a population due to interbreeding
between different populations
The random selection of chromosomes from homologous pairs during
meiosis to form gametes; each selection is independent of the other
chromosome pairs
The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes
during meiosis; contributes to genetic variation
The process by which genetic material from different individuals becomes
combined
Guiding Questions:
1. What data provides evidence of evolution (homologies, fossil record, biogeography, and
cladistics)?
2. What would the location of fossil within a stratum tell you about its relationship to other
fossils within the strata?
3. What is the role of natural selection in evolution?
4. How do you explain the variations in beaks among the finches on different Galapagos
Islands?
5. How do mutations in DNA affect traits in organisms and the diversity of a population?
6. What environmental factors can impact the reproductive success of a population?
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