Evolution: The process by which species change over time through variations in traits that are passed down through generations, often leading to the development of new species. Mic... Evolution: The process by which species change over time through variations in traits that are passed down through generations, often leading to the development of new species. Microevolution: Small changes within a species over time. Macroevolution: Larger-scale evolutionary changes, often resulting in new species or groups of species. Natural Selection: A mechanism of evolution where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to the next generation. Survival of the Fittest: Organisms that are most adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Adaptation: A characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment, often resulting from natural selection. Behavioral Adaptations: Actions or behaviors that help an organism survive (e.g., migration). Physiological Adaptations: Internal processes or functions that improve survival (e.g., production of antifreeze proteins in Arctic fish). Fossil: The preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, often found in sedimentary rock, that provide evidence of evolution. Fossil Record: The chronological collection of fossils that shows the progression of life over time. Transitional Fossils: Fossils that show intermediate forms between different species, providing evidence for evolution. Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring under natural conditions. Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. Reproductive Isolation: Mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding, leading to speciation. Genetic Variation: Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population, which contribute to a species' ability to adapt to changes in the environment. Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic variation. Gene Pool: The total genetic diversity found within a population. Homology: Similarity in structure or function between species due to shared ancestry. Homologous Structures: Body parts that are similar in structure but may have different functions in different species (e.g., human arm and bat wing). Genetic Drift: The random changes in the frequency of alleles (genetic variations) in a population due to chance events, rather than natural selection. Bottleneck Effect: A sharp reduction in the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Founder Effect: A small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to genetic differences from the original population. Extinction: The complete disappearance of a species from Earth, often caused by environmental changes, loss of habitat, or failure to adapt to changing conditions. Mass Extinction: A widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity, often caused by catastrophic events (e.g., asteroid impact). Endangered Species: Species that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, or environmental changes. Read more