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| the mechanism of evolutionary change first articulated by Darwin; refers to genetic change or changes in the frequencies of certain traits in population due to differential reproductive success between individuals. |
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| (binomnial meaning "two names") in taxonomy, the convention established by Carolus Linnaeus whereby genus and species names are used to refer to species. For example, Homo sapiens refers to human beings. |
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| the branch of science concentrated with the rules of classifying organisms on the basis of evolutionary relationships. |
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| the view that the earth's geological landscape is the result of violent cataclysmic events. this view was promoted by Cuvier, especially in opposition to Lamarck. |
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| the theory that the earth's features are the result of long term processes that continue to operate in the present as they did in the past. elaborated on by Lyell, this theory opposed catastrophism and contributed strongly to the concept of immense geological time. |
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| the change of one species to another. the term evolution did not assume its current meaning until the late nineteenth century. |
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| the number of offspring an individual produces and rears to reproductive age; an individual's genetic contribution to the next generation. |
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| forces in the environment that influence reproductive success in individuals. |
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Definition
| pertaining to natural selection, a measure of relative reproductive success of individuals. fitness can be measured by an individual's genetic contribution to the next generation compared to that of other individuals. the term genetic fitness, reproductive fitness, and differential reproductive success are also used. |
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Term
| deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) |
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Definition
| the double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic code. |
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Definition
| the entire genetic makeup of an individual or species. |
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