7.11ABC/.12A Dichotomous Keys, Adaptations, & Natural Selection

Camouflage

A characteristic that allows an organism to blend in with its environment.

Adaptation

A characteristic that allows an organism to survive in its environment.

Variation

A different form or version of something.

Selective Breeding

A form of artificial selection where humans deliberately breed plants and animals for desired traits.

Species

A group of individuals that have common characteristics and can breed with each other.

binomial nomenclature

A naming system created by Carolus Linnaeus in which every organism is given a two part naming system.

Migrate

A relatively long distance journey or individuals on a seasonal basis.

Population

All members of one species in a particular area that interact with one another.

Physiological Adaptation

An adaptation that allows an organism to perform special functions within the body.

Hibernation

An animal greatly reducing its activity during the winter.

Mimicry

One organism trying to resemble or look like another organism.

Natural Selection

Organisms that are better suited for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Charles Darwin

The naturalist known for his contributions to the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Structural Adaptation

The physical features of an organism that help it survive.

Classification

The process of grouping living things according to similar characteristics.

Taxonomy

The science of classification and naming organisms in an ordered system.

Behavioral Adaptation

The way an organism acts in order to help it survive.

Physiology

The way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.

Dichotomous Key

a tool that allows the user to determine the identity of organisms based on their characteristics

Instinct

A behavioral pattern that an animal is born with.

Learned Behavior

A behavior that is taught after birth