Evolution vocab

Evolution The change in species over time The process of gradual change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms through successive generations CHANGE OVER TIME

NATURAL SELECTION A process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Any change in the DNA of an organism MUTATION Any change in the DNA of an organism

Adaptation Behavior or physical characteristic that allows an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment

The formation of a new species as a result of evolution SPECIATION The formation of a new species as a result of evolution

Charles darwin British naturalist who formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection FATHER OF EVOLUTION

Any difference between organisms of the same species variation Any difference between organisms of the same species

The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past fossil The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past

The disappearance of all members of a species from Earth extinct The disappearance of all members of a species from Earth

Geologic time scale The standard method used to divide the Earth’s long natural history into manageable parts

Different characteristics between members of the same species traits Different characteristics between members of the same species

competition Ecological relationship in which two or more organisms depend on the same limited resource