Game Smartz

Evolution of Populations

Science

adaptive radiation

the rapid diversification of one species into several different species
adaptive radiation Simple Definition

allele frequency

the proportion of one allele of a gene compared to other alleles of the same gene
allele frequency Simple Definition

behavioral isolation

isolation between populations due to differences in courtship or mating behavior
behavioral isolation Simple Definition

bottleneck effect

a decrease in genetic diversity caused by a sharp decline in population size
bottleneck effect Simple Definition

convergent evolution

the process by which unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments
convergent evolution Simple Definition

directional selection

a form of natural selection which favors an uncommon trait, leading to a genetic shift of the population
directional selection Simple Definition

disruptive selection

natural selection which favors two extreme forms of a trait over an intermediate form
disruptive selection Simple Definition

evolution

the change in a species over time
evolution Simple Definition

founder effect

a change in the gene pool caused by a small population migrating to a new area
founder effect Simple Definition

genetic drift

random changes in allele frequency, which usually occurs in small populations
genetic drift Simple Definition

genetic equilibrium

a state where allele frequencies remain the same
genetic equilibrium Simple Definition

geographic isolation

reproductive isolation caused by physical barriers like rivers or mountains
geographic isolation Simple Definition

Hardy Weinberg principle

states that allele frequencies in a population are constant unless a factor causes change
Hardy Weinberg principle Simple Definition

punctuated equilibrium

states that evolution happens in short periods, separated by long periods of stability
punctuated equilibrium Simple Definition

reproductive isolation

occurs when two populations evolve to the point that they cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring
reproductive isolation Simple Definition

sexual selection

selection where certain traits improve mating success, and are passed on to offspring
sexual selection Simple Definition

speciation

the evolution of new species from an existing species
speciation Simple Definition

stabilizing selection

natural selection which favors average forms of a trait, these forms become more common
stabilizing selection Simple Definition

temporal isolation

reproductive isolation between two populations where they reproduce at different times
temporal isolation Simple Definition

Related Chapters