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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the scientific study of heredity Genetics the scientific study of heredity

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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