Carrying Capacity (K)

The ecosystem can only support only a limited number of organisms.

Carolus Linnaeus

Developed the classification system for organisms

Speculated on the origin of and relationships between groups of species in mid-1700s

Gene pool

The entire collection of genes within a given population

Differential Reproduction

Individuals within a population that are most adapted to the environment are also the most likely individuals to reproduce successfully.

Increases the number of alleles for desirable traits in the gene pool.

Mutation

A change of the DNA sequence of a gene, resulting in a change of the trait.

Genetic Drift