Chapter 15: Evolution Terms Worksheet

A process that humans will breed two organisms to make sure that their future generations will have the certain characteristics they want.
A process that organisms adapt to their organisms to be able to survive and produce their off springs.
The change in the characteristics of species over several generations.
trait that is present in an organism but was absent in the last common ancestor
a trait shared by a group of organisms as a result of descent from common ancestor.
structures shared by a set of related species because they have been inherited. With or without modification from their common ancestor.
An organ of the body have lost, or almost lost their original function.
Comparison of early stages of animal development that are not visible in adult organisms.
Structures that serve the same function in different organisms but have no relation
The geographical distribution of species.
Representation of natural and sexual selection within evolutionary biology.
Process that organisms will use to be less visible, or blend in the environment to be able to survive predators.
An organism will resemble another object, often an organism of another species. This will help them be protected from predators.
A theorem that states allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation.
Any change in allele frequencies in a population due to chance, causes allele frequencies to drift up and down randomly over time.
When a few individuals become isolated from a larger population, this smaller group may establish a new population whose gene pool isn’t reflective of the source population.
changed in the gene pool caused by a rapid reduction in population size.
Form of natural selection by which the center of the curve remains in its current position. Occurs when individuals near the center of a distribution curve have higher fitness than individuals at either end.
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 at the other end of the curve. Directional
A form of natural selection in which a single curve splits in two. Occurs when the individuals in the higher and lower ends have higher fitness then the middle.
A form of natural selection in which individuals with certain inherited characteristics are more likely than other individuals to obtain mates. Sexual
Prevents the fertilization of eggs.
Prevents the formation of fertile offspring. Postzygotic isolating
Occurs when biological populations of the same species become isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with gene flow.
Evolution of a new species from surviving ancestral special while both continue to inhabit the same geographic region.
The development of mammals after the extinction of dinosaurs