1. Natural Selection -ss
The process by which organisms change over time as those with traits best suited to an environment pass their traits to the next generation.

2. Adaptation -ss
structure, behavior, or other trait in an organism that helps it to survive in its environment

3. a random change in a gene
Mutation -ss
a random change in a gene

4. Variation -stemscopes
a distinct feature, behavior or physiology of the organism that occurs to individuals within a population or species.

5. Selective (or artificial) Breeding
a form of artificial selection whereby deliberate breeding results in desired traits in plants or animals.

6. Traits
characteristics that an organism can pass on to its offspring through its genes

7. the disappearance of all members of a species from Earth.
Extinct
the disappearance of all members of a species from Earth.

8. the passing of traits from parents to offspring
Heredity
the passing of traits from parents to offspring

9. the scientific study of heredity
Genetics
the scientific study of heredity

10. Species
a group of similar organisms whose members can mate with one another and produce fertile offspring

11. Population
members of the same species that live in the same geographical area: may be distinctly different than populations living elsewhere, due to the spread of local adaptations within a population.

12. Hibernation
a deep sleep in which body systems reduce to minimal levels; Hibernation helps some animal species survive winter

13. Physiology
is the study of all the internal structures and functions of an organism.

14. seasonal movement of animals from one place to another
Migration
seasonal movement of animals from one place to another

15. Genetic Diversity
is variation of inheritable characteristics found in a population of the same species.

16. Island found near Ecuador where Darwin studied animals.
Galapagos Islands
Island found near Ecuador where Darwin studied animals.

17. species of bird that Charles Darwin studied on the Galapagos Islands.
Finch
species of bird that Charles Darwin studied on the Galapagos Islands.

18. H.M.S. Beagle
the research ship Charles Darwin worked on as a naturalist in the 1850s

19. Survival of the Fittest
the theory that individuals in a population best able to obtain and use resources will survive and reproduce.

20. Genetic Variation
the normal differences that exist among individuals of the same species, this results in variety in offspring

21. periods when many species of organisms died out at the same time
Mass Extinctions
periods when many species of organisms died out at the same time

22. Predator
a carnivore that hunts and kills other animals for food and that has adaptations that help it capture the animals it preys upon

23. an animal that a predator feeds upon
Prey
an animal that a predator feeds upon

24. Generation
All of the offspring that are at the same stage of descent from a common ancestor.

25. Theory of Evolution
describes the slow change in organisms that occurs over many generations

26. When species produce more offspring than are expected to survive.
Overproduction
When species produce more offspring than are expected to survive.

27. Isolation/Separation
Individuals from a population move away from each other and barriers stop them from intermingling anymore