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Details Title: Intro to Physical Anthropology Description: Chapter 2: The Development of Evolutionary Theory Total Flash Cards: 11 Created: 02/16/2006 19:37:30	To study from this set of flash cards, or to create your own your own study flash cards, register HERE. If you are already a registered user, CLICK HERE.
Cards Term natural selection Definition the mechanism of evolutionary change first articulated by Darwin; refers to genetic change or changes in the frequencies of certain traits in population due to differential reproductive success between individuals. Term binomial nomenclature Definition (binomnial meaning "two names") in taxonomy, the convention established by Carolus Linnaeus whereby genus and species names are used to refer to species. For example, Homo sapiens refers to human beings. Term taxonomy Definition the branch of science concentrated with the rules of classifying organisms on the basis of evolutionary relationships. Term catastrophism Definition the view that the earth's geological landscape is the result of violent cataclysmic events. this view was promoted by Cuvier, especially in opposition to Lamarck. Term uniformitarianism Definition the theory that the earth's features are the result of long term processes that continue to operate in the present as they did in the past. elaborated on by Lyell, this theory opposed catastrophism and contributed strongly to the concept of immense geological time. Term transmutation Definition the change of one species to another. the term evolution did not assume its current meaning until the late nineteenth century. Term reproductive success Definition the number of offspring an individual produces and rears to reproductive age; an individual's genetic contribution to the next generation. Term selective pressures Definition forces in the environment that influence reproductive success in individuals. Term fitness Definition pertaining to natural selection, a measure of relative reproductive success of individuals. fitness can be measured by an individual's genetic contribution to the next generation compared to that of other individuals. the term genetic fitness, reproductive fitness, and differential reproductive success are also used. Term deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Definition the double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic code. Term genome Definition the entire genetic makeup of an individual or species.