Natural Selection

Front

What does 'evolution' mean?

Back

Evolution refers to genetic change over time in a population.

Front

Which organisms are most likely to survive in a changing environment?

Back

The best adapted organisms are most likely to survive.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is any variation that helps a species survive in a given environment.

Front

Can individuals evolve?

Back

No, only populations can evolve; individuals cannot.

Front

What is variation in a species?

Back

Variation refers to the differences between individuals of the same species.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is fitness in the context of natural selection?

Back

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species.

Front

What is a homologous structure?

Back

A homologous structure is an anatomical feature that is similar in different species due to shared ancestry.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution.