evolution
A change in a species over time.
natural selection
The process by which organisms who are best suited to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring with similar traits and abilities ("Survival of the Fittest").
Varaition
Differences that exist within individuals of the same species.
trait
A characteristic or feature of an organism, such as fur color, beak size and shape, and claws.
inherit
Physical features or traits that offspring obtain from their parents.
fitness
Characteristics or traits that allow an organism to succeed in its environment and survive long enough to reproduce.
structural adaptation
A physical feature or trait on an organism that helps it survive.
body parts and structure
Different structures in armour, claws, beaks, feet are all examples of structural adaptations.
camouflage
A physical feature or trait that allows you to hide into your surroundings to avoid predators or hide from prey that you seek. Structural adaptation.
chemical defense
Use of ink, venom, or sprays to ward off predators and attackers. Structural adaptation.
countershading
Animals that have lighter bellies and darker backs. Predators and prey looking both under and above the animal see it as just blending into its environment. Structural adaptation seen in animals like penguins and sharks.
Behavioral adaptation
An action an organism takes to help it survive
Hibernation
A state of inactivity and slowed metabolism that allows an organism to survive and stay in an area during harsh weather conditions such as winter or drought. Behavioral adaptation.
Migration
Moving from one area to another when weather changes. Behavioral adaptation
Mimicry
To look or sound like a dangerous or harmful organism in order to survive.
Learned Behaviors
Those behaviors that you acquire or obtain from habit or conditioning.
Instinctive Behaviors
Those behaviors that you are born with and happen naturally. They are a "natural tendency
Artificial selection
The breeding of organisms (plant and animal) to produce desirable traits. Modifying organisms' genes by humans for some type of gain.