Biology Lecture on Evolution

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring.

The study of evolutionary relationships between organisms, often represented using branching diagrams called phylogenetic trees.

A method of classifying organisms based on shared derived characteristics, which are traits that evolved in a common ancestor.

The gradual movement of Earth's tectonic plates, causing continents to shift over millions of years.

The disappearance of an entire species from Earth due to various factors, such as environmental change, disease or competition.

The rapid diversification of a species into many new species, often following a mass extinction or colonization of a new environment.

Fossils that show intermediate stages in the evolution of a species, providing evidence of evolutionary transitions.

The theory proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, stating that all life on Earth evolved from a common ancestor through natural selection.

A process where a species changes over time, leading to new traits or adaptations that help them survive and reproduce in their environment.

This occurs when a species appears to disappear from the fossil record, but actually evolves into a new species or migrates and changes in a different environment.

Periods in Earth's history where a significant portion of species go extinct in a relatively short time. They can be caused by events like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, or climate change.

The impact of human activities on the environment, leading to the extinction of many species at an alarming rate. This is considered the sixth mass extinction event in Earth's history.

A theory that explains the extinction of dinosaurs, suggesting a large asteroid impact triggered environmental changes that led to their demise.

The proposed causes of mass extinctions such as disease, volcanic activity, climate change, and changes in ocean chemistry.

The process by which two tectonic plates collide, causing one plate to slide beneath the other into the Earth's mantle. This process often leads to the formation of mountains and volcanoes.

A chain of volcanoes that encircles the Pacific Ocean, primarily caused by subduction zones. The Ring of Fire is known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The process of mountains forming, often as a result of tectonic plate collisions or volcanic activity.

A region in the Atlantic Ocean where tectonic plates are moving apart, creating new seafloor.

The fossil remains of animals or plants found in widely separated locations, indicating that the continents were once connected.

Glacial deposits found in locations that are currently not suitable for glacial formation, suggesting that the continents were once in colder climates.

Evidence from the distribution of seed plants and other organisms, indicating that continents were once connected to facilitate their dispersal.

A process where changes within a population occur over time, eventually leading to larger evolutionary changes.

A process where one species evolves into a completely different species, marked by significant, large-scale changes.

A population of organisms that share a common ancestor, can interbreed, and possess similar genes.

The process by which different species evolve, often due to changes in their environment or their interactions with other species.

A form of speciation where two populations become isolated geographically, preventing gene flow and leading to distinct species.

A form of speciation where two populations evolve into separate species within the same geographic area, often due to other factors such as niche specialization.

Genetically similar individuals within a species, leading to a limited gene pool and potentially lower diversity.

The idea that genes have a shared ancestry, even if their function might differ across species.

Changes in the genetic makeup of an organism, often arising from errors during DNA replication.

The frequency of a specific gene variant (allele) within a population.

This concept explains how life on Earth has changed over time through a series of gradual modifications, driven largely by natural selection.

The Linnaean Society was a scientific organization that was established in London, England in 1788. It was incredibly influential in shaping the scientific understanding of biology and taxonomy during its early years.

Darwin studied artificial selection by looking at the selective breeding practices of humans, which were designed to enhance desirable traits in domesticated animals and plants.

The idea that the stronger the species that can thrive in a constantly changing environment is not “the fittest”, but rather “more fit” because the environment might change.

Darwin initially used the term 'modification' to describe the process of gradual changes in organisms over time. The term 'evolution' came later, and it was a way to describe the same process.

Darwin was careful not to use the term 'survival of the fittest' as it implied an absolute standard of fitness. He preferred 'survival of the fitter' to acknowledge that fitness is relative to the environment.

A species' ability to reproduce and pass on its genes, making it, in a sense, 'successful' in the evolutionary game.