I. Definition of Biology A. The study of life

II. Definition of Evolution A. The change in the inherited characteristics of a population over successive generations

III. Definition of Natural Selection A. The process by which heritable traits that enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce become more frequent in a population

IV. How Does Natural Selection Work A. An organism with advantageous traits will be more likely to survive and reproduce. Its traits will be passed down to the next generation, while organisms with negative traits will not be able to survive in the same environment and will eventually die off.

V. Evidence of Evolution A. Fossils, molecular data, anatomical and developmental similarities, biogeography, selective breeding

VI. Different Types of Natural Selection A. Stabilizing selection, directional selection, disruptive selection

VII. Applications of Evolution A. Biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, drug development