Gamete - A reproductive cell having the haploid number of chromosomes, especially a mature sperm or egg capable of fusing with a gamete of the opposite sex to produce the fertilized egg.
Gene - A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism. Genes undergo mutation when their DNA sequence changes.
Gene Flow - Transfer of genes from one population to another of the same species, as by migration or the dispersal of seeds and pollen.
Gene Recombination - The process of forming new allelic combination in offspring by exchanges between genetic materials (as exchange of DNA sequences between DNA molecules).
Genetic Death - Preferential elimination of genotypes that are carriers of alleles that reduce the adaptive value or fitness of those genotypes.
Genetic Drift - Change in the pool of genes of a small population that takes place strictly by chance. Genetic drift can result in genetic traits being lost from a population or becoming widespread in a population without respect to the survival or reproductive value of the gene pairs (alleles) involved.
Genetic Engineering - The use of various methods to manipulate the DNA (genetic material) of cells to change hereditary traits or produce biological products.
Genotype - Genetic makeup of an organism. The genotype determines the hereditary potentials and limitations of an individual.
Genus - Biological classification. It ranks below family and above species, consisting of structurally or phylogenetically (see phylogenetic tree) related species or a single species exhibiting unusual differences.
Gondwanaland - Hypothetical former supercontinent in the Southern Hemisphere, which included modern South America, Africa, southern Europe, India, Australia, and much of the Middle East and Antarctica.
Good genes model - These models assume that mates are chosen based on characteristics that reflect "good genes" of the mate. An extension of this considers characteristics that correlate with the viability of the offspring resulting from the mating.
Gradualism - A model of evolution in which change is slow, steady, and on the whole ameliorative, resulting in a gradual and continuous increase in biological diversity. Also known as phyletic gradualism.
Gene - A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism. Genes undergo mutation when their DNA sequence changes.
Gene Flow - Transfer of genes from one population to another of the same species, as by migration or the dispersal of seeds and pollen.
Gene Recombination - The process of forming new allelic combination in offspring by exchanges between genetic materials (as exchange of DNA sequences between DNA molecules).
Genetic Death - Preferential elimination of genotypes that are carriers of alleles that reduce the adaptive value or fitness of those genotypes.
Genetic Drift - Change in the pool of genes of a small population that takes place strictly by chance. Genetic drift can result in genetic traits being lost from a population or becoming widespread in a population without respect to the survival or reproductive value of the gene pairs (alleles) involved.
Genetic Engineering - The use of various methods to manipulate the DNA (genetic material) of cells to change hereditary traits or produce biological products.
Genotype - Genetic makeup of an organism. The genotype determines the hereditary potentials and limitations of an individual.
Genus - Biological classification. It ranks below family and above species, consisting of structurally or phylogenetically (see phylogenetic tree) related species or a single species exhibiting unusual differences.
Gondwanaland - Hypothetical former supercontinent in the Southern Hemisphere, which included modern South America, Africa, southern Europe, India, Australia, and much of the Middle East and Antarctica.
Good genes model - These models assume that mates are chosen based on characteristics that reflect "good genes" of the mate. An extension of this considers characteristics that correlate with the viability of the offspring resulting from the mating.
Gradualism - A model of evolution in which change is slow, steady, and on the whole ameliorative, resulting in a gradual and continuous increase in biological diversity. Also known as phyletic gradualism.