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Evolution of Populations definitions

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  • Macroevolution
    Large-scale genetic changes occurring over long periods, leading to the emergence of new species or major differences between groups.
  • Microevolution
    Small, rapid genetic changes within populations, often observable over short timeframes and driven by various mechanisms.
  • Allele Frequency
    Proportion of a specific gene variant within a population, serving as a measure for evolutionary change.
  • Genetic Variation
    Presence of multiple gene variants within a population, providing the raw material for evolutionary processes.
  • Mutation
    Source of new gene variants, introducing novel alleles into a population's genetic pool.
  • Natural Selection
    Process where certain gene variants increase in prevalence due to enhanced reproductive success.
  • Genetic Drift
    Random fluctuations in gene variant frequencies, often impacting small populations unpredictably.
  • Gene Flow
    Movement of gene variants between populations, altering genetic composition and diversity.
  • Population Genetics
    Field examining how gene variants change and interact within entire populations over time.
  • Modern Synthesis
    Integration of Darwinian evolution and Mendelian genetics, forming the foundation of contemporary evolutionary theory.
  • Chromosome
    Structure carrying genetic information, composed of DNA and housing gene variants that underlie traits.
  • Gene
    Segment of DNA responsible for coding traits, existing in different forms within a population.
  • Variant
    Alternative form of a gene, contributing to observable differences among individuals in a population.
  • Reproductive Success
    Measure of an individual's genetic contribution to future generations, influencing gene variant prevalence.
  • Common Ancestor
    Shared predecessor from which different species or populations have diverged through evolutionary processes.