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Evolution- The process by which living things have changed over time
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Extinct species- a species that no longer exists anywhere on earth
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Classification/taxonomy- biological classification is a system which is used to organize and codify all life on Earth.
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Natural selection- the process by which forms of life having traits that better enable them to adapt to specific environmental pressures.
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Speciation- the formation of new species as a result of geographic, physiological, anatomical, or behavioral factors that prevent previously interbreeding populations from breeding with each other.
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Adaptation- when an organism becomes better fitted to survive and multiply in its environment.
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DNA- deoxyribonucleic acid: an extremely long macromolecule that is the main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms
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Genetic diversity- the level of biodiversity, refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
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Phenotype- is an organisms observable characteristics which are influenced both by its genotype and by the environment.
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Genotype- is the set of genes that it carries.
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Niche- includes both the animals or plants physical habitat and how it has adapted to life in that habitat.
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Mutation- A mutation occurs when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way as to alter the genetic message carried by that gene.
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Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein.
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Gene pool: All the genes of all the members in a population.
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Selective pressure: Any environmental factor that favors one trait over another.
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Species: Any group of organisms, the members of which successfully breed with each other, producing healthy, fertile offspring.
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Genetic isolation: What occurs when two groups of one species are prevented from breeding with each other.
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Inherited trait: An inherited characteristic—such as hair and eye color or muscle and bone structure—that has been passed on from a previous generation.
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Acquired trait: An acquired characteristic—such as the ability to ride a bike or do karate— that is attained throughout life. Acquired traits are not passed on genetically.