The change in the characteristics of a species over several generations, relying on the process of natural selection.

The process by which DNA is copied to create a complementary RNA strand.

A molecule made up of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen base; it is the building block of DNA and RNA.

The phenomenon where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in their environment.

The remnants or impressions of ancient organisms preserved in rock, providing historical evidence of past life.

The variety of different species within a particular habitat or ecosystem.

The role or position that an organism occupies in its ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms.

The process in which an organism's genetic material is changed, leading to new traits that may be passed down to future generations.

The interaction between different communities of living organisms and their physical environment, functioning as a unit.

The process of clearing forests or trees to make way for agricultural or urban development.

A change in the average weather conditions of an area over a long period, often associated with global patterns.

The proportion of resources or benefits exchanged when one option is chosen over another, often resulting in a loss.

The transfer of energy through a series of organisms in an ecosystem, typically represented in a food chain or food web.

The way in which nutrients are recycled through the ecosystem, involving the biological, geological, and chemical processes that keep ecosystems functioning.

The organic material produced by living organisms that can be used as a measure of productivity in ecosystems.

The organism that hunts and feeds on other animals for food in an ecosystem.

The organism that is hunted and eaten by predators in an ecosystem.

The structure within cells that synthesizes proteins, often called the 'protein factory' of the cell.

The genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring in living organisms.

The structural and functional unit of all living organisms; the basic building block of life.

The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied into two identical DNA molecules.

The concept that organisms with similar structures due to common ancestry are called this, often used in evolutionary biology.

The body parts or organs that have lost their original function through the course of evolution.

The scientific explanation that has been widely tested and supported by a substantial body of evidence, giving insight into natural phenomena.

The genetic material that carries information used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms.

The single-stranded nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in the process of translating genetic information from DNA into proteins.

The components that form pairs in the structure of DNA and are essential for its stability and function.

The concept describing the differences in traits among individuals in a population, which can lead to variations in survival and reproduction.

The taxonomic term used to categorize a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

The non-living components of an environment that affect ecosystems and living organisms, such as sunlight, water, and minerals.

The living components of an ecosystem that include all organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

The group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area and interact with each other.

The group of different populations that live together in a defined area and interact with one another.

The natural process of gradual change and development in ecosystems and species over time, often as a result of environmental pressures.