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Artificial selection
Selection by humans for desired traits. Also called domestication or breeding.
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Choice
In sexual selection, the competition for attention from the opposite sex.
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Contest
In sexual selection, fights or aggressive displays between same-sex individuals of the same species; contests usually determine possession of territory or mates.
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Directional Selection
When selection pressures favor one extreme of the trait distribution.
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Disruptive Selection
When the average form of the trait is selected against while either extreme is unaffected.
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Fitness
The probability that an individual will contribute its genes to the next generation.
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Morphs
The different physical forms a trait may have. Long necks and short necks are examples of morphs.
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Natural Selection
The theory holding that competition exists within species, determining which species live to have offspring, and pass their traits on to those offspring.
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Polymorphic
A trait that exists in several different morphs is polymorphic.
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Stabilizing Selection
When selection pressures favor the average form of the trait.
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Sexual Selection
The selection of traits based on their role in courtship and mating.
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Trait
A particular characteristic of an individual plant or animal.
