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AP Biology: Evolution & Natural Selection
Master the foundational concepts of AP Biology's Evolution and Natural Selection unit with this comprehensive flashcard deck. Covering key definitions, mechanisms, evidence, and patterns of evolution, these cards are designed to reinforce your understanding of how life on Earth has changed over time. Perfect for reviewing core material and preparing for your exam.
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How is evolution defined in population genetics?
A change in allele frequencies in a population over generations.
What is natural selection?
Individuals with heritable traits suited to their environment survive and reproduce more, so those traits become more common.
What three conditions does natural selection require?
Heritable variation, and differences in survival and reproduction linked to that variation.
What are homologous structures?
Features shared by species because of common ancestry, even if their functions differ.
What is convergent evolution?
Unrelated species independently evolving similar traits under similar pressures, such as wings in bats and birds.
What is genetic drift?
Random change in allele frequencies by chance, strongest in small populations.
What are the bottleneck and founder effects?
Forms of drift: a population crashes (bottleneck), or a few individuals start a new one (founder).
What is allopatric speciation?
Speciation after a population is split by a geographic barrier.
What is sympatric speciation?
Speciation within the same area, without a physical barrier.
Name two prezygotic reproductive barriers.
For example habitat isolation and temporal isolation (breeding at different times).
How does an adaptation differ from acclimatization?
An adaptation is heritable and evolves over generations; acclimatization is one individual's short-term adjustment.
How do fossils support evolution?
They record change over time, extinct species and transitional forms.
What does a phylogenetic tree show?
Hypothesized evolutionary relationships, with branch points marking common ancestors.
What is the ultimate source of new genetic variation?
Mutation.
What is the difference between intrasexual and intersexual selection?
Intrasexual is competition within one sex for mates; intersexual is mate choice by the other sex.
What does gene flow do to populations?
Moves alleles between them, making populations more similar and adding variation.