Creation vs. Evolution II

Evolutionary Terms Defined

by Jeremy E., Creation vs. Evolution II Team Member

Evolution is a fairly simple idea. A broad definition of it is "Species change over time." Another definition, along with some of its concepts and related ideas, can be found below.

Evolution

A change in the relative frequency of an allele within a population.

Natural selection

The organisms best adapted to their environment are able to reproduce and pass on their traits to the next generation, while less adapted organisms don't reproduce as much or at all. Also known as survival of the fittest.

Punctuated equilibrium

Evolutionary rates have not remained constant. Instead, species evolve in response to changing environmental conditions. The faster the conditions change, the more quickly evolution happens.

Speciation

The splitting of one species into two. This only happens when the two parts are separated reproductively by some effect of a different trait.

Variation

Differences in traits within a species.

Population

A specific group of organisms that can interbreed.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Trait

A physical feature that can be passed on to the next generation.

Gene drift

The prevalence of one allele over another for reasons not related to survival of the fittest. Usually caused by random variations in a small population.

Allele

A form of a gene.

Gene

A piece of genetic data that codes for a specific trait.

Evolutionary theory is supported by a huge body of evidence, including the fossil record and observations of organisms alive today. That is one of the reasons it is embraced by most mainstream scientists.

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