Mechanisms for Evolutionary Change: Selection

The process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to their offspring. This gradual change in the frequency of traits within a population over time is the driving force behind evolution.

A heritable characteristic that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a particular environment.

Evolutionary pattern where two species that share a common ancestor evolve in different directions, becoming more dissimilar over time.

Structures in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently, not from a common ancestor.

A change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. This is driven by factors such as natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.

The theory that evolutionary change is driven by the inheritance of acquired characteristics. Organisms were believed to develop traits during their lifetime and pass them on to their offspring.

The idea that simple organisms constantly arise spontaneously from non-living matter, contributing to the diversity of life.

The key difference lies in the mechanism of change. Darwin proposed that evolution is driven by random variations and natural selection, while Lamarck believed it was driven by the inheritance of traits acquired during an organism's lifetime.

The theory proposed by Darwin and Wallace, stating that evolution is driven by two key factors: random genetic variations and the process of natural selection.

Darwin and Wallace observed patterns of variation and adaptation in different organisms, suggesting common ancestors and the process of natural selection.

According to Lamarck's theory, a characteristic not used by an organism would eventually become less prominent or disappear.

Individuals with more favorable traits are not always guaranteed to have more offspring. Other factors, like chance, can also play a role.

A mechanism of evolutionary change where random fluctuations in allele frequencies occur in a population, especially in small populations.

The process by which new species arise from existing species. It involves two main steps: initial divergence and reproductive isolation.

Humans select for desired traits in organisms, intentionally breeding individuals with those traits to produce offspring with those desired characteristics.

The key difference lies in the agent of selection: In artificial selection, humans select for traits, while in natural selection, the environment selects for traits that favor survival and reproduction.

Individuals with more favorable traits are not always guaranteed to have more offspring. Other factors, like chance, can also play a role.

Natural selection occurs when individuals with traits that better suit the environment produce more offspring.