Evolution Vocab. Terms

SB 5

Evolution

Change over time

Natural Selection

Survival of the Fittest – a mechanism (“how”) of evolution

4 Parts

Innate Behavior

Behavior you’re born with – genetically based behaviors

Adaptations

Inherited traits developing over time in response to the environment that allows an organism to survive.

EX: Camo & mimicry

Genetic Equilibrium

Alleles are not changing, so evolution is not occurring

Learned Behavior

Behavior that is taught

Predator

Hunt for prey

Diversity

Variations / Differences

Mutation

Permanent change in DNA – adds new alleles to the population

Fitness

Being “fit” in the environment means organisms are most likely to survive & pass on their genes.

Theory

Based on observations and research – not proven!

Vestigial Structures

Structures that have no noticeable purpose to modern day life