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Evolution Glossary
Term
Definition (in your own words)
Adaptation
Characteristics, functions, or body parts
that enable a species to survive
Evolution
The change of species over time
Species
A group of organisms that are similar and
can produce fertile offspring.
Charles Darwin*
Who he was:
British naturalist and pastor.
What he believed/ Why this is important:
He said that animals change over time. He
called this evolution.
Natural Selection
The survival and reproduction of the
individuals in a population that are best
adapted for their environment.
Genetic Variation
Differences in a species genetics.
Illustration OR an analogy
(to help you remember
the meaning of this word)
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Population
A group of one or more types of organisms
living together in a specific place
Speciation
The process by which two populations of
the same species become so different that
they can no longer interbreed (have
babies).
Competition
The need to use an environmental resource
(like food) in limited supply by two or
more organisms.
Diversity
Differences within a species