Geographic Isolation Vocabulary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is artificial selection?

The intentional breeding of plants or animals.

What is natural selection?

The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.

What is a population?

Organisms of the same group or species, which live in a particular geographical area, and have the capability of interbreeding.

What is evolution?

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is adaptation?

A trait with a current functional role in the life of an organism that is maintained and evolved. Signup and view all the answers

What is speciation?

The evolutionary process by which reproductively isolated biological populations evolve to become distinct species. Signup and view all the answers

What is reproductive isolation?

Behaviors and physiological processes that prevent the members of two different species that cross or mate from producing offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is geographic isolation?

A term that refers to a population of animals, plants, or other organisms that are separated from exchanging genetic material with other organisms of the same species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geographic Isolation Vocabulary

Artificial Selection:
- Intentional breeding practice for specific traits in plants or animals to enhance certain characteristics.
Natural Selection:
- Mechanism of evolution where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce at higher rates, influencing genetic traits over time.
Population:
- A group of organisms of the same species inhabiting a specific geographic area, capable of interbreeding and sharing genetic material.
Evolution:
- The historical process leading to the diversification of life on Earth, originating from common ancestors through gradual changes over time.
Adaptation:
- Inherited traits that have evolved to serve specific functions, enhancing an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Speciation:
- The process through which new species arise, often following reproductive isolation among populations, leading to distinct evolutionary paths.
Reproductive Isolation:
- Mechanisms, either behavioral or physiological, that prevent different species from mating successfully, thus avoiding hybrid offspring.
Geographic Isolation:
- A form of separation where populations of the same species are physically isolated, hindering gene flow and leading to potential speciation.

Description

Enhance your understanding of key terms related to geographic isolation with these flashcards. This quiz covers important concepts such as artificial selection, natural selection, and population dynamics, crucial for studies in ecology and evolution.