Evolution of Populations
Science

Isolation between populations due to differences in courtship or mating behavior
Behavioral isolation
Isolation between populations due to differences in courtship or mating behavior. Behavioral isolation. It's when different species or groups don't mate because they have unique courtship behaviors that aren't recognized by the other group.

A decrease in genetic diversity caused by a sharp decline in population size
Bottleneck effect
A decrease in genetic diversity caused by a sharp decline in population size. Bottleneck effect. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population's size is drastically reduced, leading to a loss of genetic variation.

The process by which unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments
Convergent evolution
The process by which unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments. Convergent evolution. Convergent evolution is when different species independently evolve similar features because they live in similar environments.

A form of natural selection which favors an uncommon trait, leading to a genetic shift of the population
Directional selection
A form of natural selection which favors an uncommon trait, leading to a genetic shift of the population. Directional selection. It is when a specific trait becomes more common in a population because it gives an advantage for survival and reproduction.

Natural selection which favors two extreme forms of a trait over an intermediate form
Disruptive selection
Natural selection which favors two extreme forms of a trait over an intermediate form. Disruptive selection. Disruptive selection is when extreme traits are more advantageous than average traits, causing diverse variations in a population.

Reproductive isolation caused by physical barriers like rivers or mountains
Geographic isolation
Reproductive isolation caused by physical barriers like rivers or mountains. Geographic isolation. Geographic isolation occurs when physical barriers, such as rivers or mountains, prevent different groups of a species from interbreeding.

States that allele frequencies in a population are constant unless a factor causes change
Hardy Weinberg principle
States that allele frequencies in a population are constant unless a factor causes change. Hardy Weinberg principle. The Hardy-Weinberg principle explains how in a stable environment, the genetic makeup of a population remains constant over generations unless influenced by external factors.

States that evolution happens in short periods, separated by long periods of stability
Punctuated equilibrium
States that evolution happens in short periods, separated by long periods of stability. Punctuated equilibrium. It is a scientific theory suggesting that species evolve rapidly during brief periods of change, followed by long periods of little to no change.

Occurs when two populations evolve to the point that they cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring
Reproductive isolation
Occurs when two populations evolve to the point that they cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Reproductive isolation is when different species cannot have babies together or their babies can't have babies.

Selection where certain traits improve mating success, and are passed on to offspring
Sexual selection
Selection where certain traits improve mating success, and are passed on to offspring. Sexual selection. It's a natural process where individuals with certain traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce.

Natural selection which favors average forms of a trait, these forms become more common
Stabilizing selection
Natural selection which favors average forms of a trait, these forms become more common. Stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection is when the average traits in a population are favored and become more common, reducing variation.

Reproductive isolation between two populations where they reproduce at different times
Temporal isolation
Reproductive isolation between two populations where they reproduce at different times. Temporal isolation. Temporal isolation is when two populations cannot interbreed because they mate or are active at different times.