Adaptation/Evolution Reading Flashcard

Front

What is adaptation in biology?

Back

Adaptation is a process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through changes in its physical or behavioral traits.

Front

What is evolution?

Back

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

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 a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome, which can lead to new traits.

Front

What is a species?

Back

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism, providing evidence of past life.

Front

What is the significance of the Galapagos Islands in the study of evolution?

Back

The Galapagos Islands are significant because they were studied by Charles Darwin, leading to his theory of natural selection based on the unique species found there.

Front

What is a behavioral adaptation?

Back

A behavioral adaptation is a change in behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment, such as migration or hibernation.

Front

What is a structural adaptation?

Back

A structural adaptation is a physical feature of an organism that enhances its survival, such as the long neck of a giraffe.