Evolution of organisms and populations

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

species

The branch of zoology studying the early development of living things.

Embryology

A natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment.

natural selection

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in their environment.

adaptation

A rare change in the DNA of a gene, ultimately creating genetic diversity.

mutation

Selective breeding of plants and animals to promote the occurrence of desirable traits in offspring.

artificial selection

The process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Evolution

Types of mutation are:

insertion, deletion, frameshift, base substitution

Movement of alleles from one population to another. Increases the variability of the gene pool.

gene flow

natural selection that favors individuals with either extreme of a trait

disruptive selection

occurs when natural selection favors one of the extreme variations of a trait

directional selection

natural selection that favors intermediate variants by acting against extreme phenotypes

stabilizing selection

Aspect of an organism which enhances the probability of this organism to survive and reproduce.

adaptive trait

Evolutionary process whereby an organism becomes better able to live in its habitat

adaptation