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chemical evolution Formation of the earth and its early crust and
atmosphere, evolution of the biological molecules necessary for life, and evolution
of systems of chemical reactions needed to produce the first living cells. These
processes are believed to have occurred about 1 billion years before biological
evolution. Compare biological evolution.
endemic species Species that is found in only one area. Such species are
especially vulnerable to extinction.
fundamental niche The full potential range of the physical, chemical, and
biological factors a species can use if there is no competition from other species.
See ecological niche. Compare realized niche.
gene pool The sum total of all genes found in the individuals of the population of
a particular species.
generalist species Species with a broad ecological niche. They can live in
many different places, eat a variety of foods, and tolerate a wide range of
environmental conditions. Examples are flies, cockroaches, mice, rats, and human
beings. Compare specialist species.
mutation Random change in DNA molecules making up genes that can alter
anatomy, physiology, or behavior in offspring. See mutagen.
realized niche Parts of the fundamental niche of a species that are actually
used by that species. See ecological niche, fundamental niche.
recombinant DNA DNA that has been altered to contain genes or portions of
genes from organisms of different species.
specialist species Species with a narrow ecological niche. They may be able
to live in only one type of habitat, tolerate only a narrow range of climatic and other
environmental conditions, or use only one type or a few types of food. Compare
generalist species.
theory of evolution Widely accepted scientific idea that all life forms
developed from earlier life forms. Although this theory conflicts with the creation
stories of many religions, it is the way biologists explain how life has changed over
the past 3.6[[endash]]3.8 billion years and why it is so diverse today.