Evolution

An evolutionary mechanism by which traits that increase the ability of individuals to attract or acquire mates appear with increasing frequency in a population; selection in which a mate is chosen on the basis of a particular trait or traits

Selection by humans for breeding of useful traits from the natural variation among different organisms

A change in the nucleotide-base sequence of a gene or DNA molecule

Any change to the genetic code that results in noticeable physiological changes that are of benefit to the organism

Is a mutation that decreases the fitness of the organism.

The biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next

An evolutionary theory (proved false by Darwin) stating that species change over time by the use and disuse of structures and the inheritance of acquired traits.

Preserved remains of once-living organisms

Geographic distribution of species

Structures that have different mature forms in different organisms but develop from the same embryonic tissues

Similar function but different structure - does not show common ancestry - Ex: butterfly wing and bat wing)

A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose

Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called natural selection

A characteristic that improves an individual's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

Form of natural selection in which the entire curve moves; occurs when individuals at one end of a distribution curve have higher fitness than individuals in the middle or at the other end of the curve

A proposed explanation in evolutionary biology stating that new species arise from the result of slight modifications (mutations and resulting phenotypic changes) over many generations.