The Origin of Species Terms

Darwin uses the term adaptation to mean a trait that helps improve an organism’s “fitness” and its ability to survive in nature and overcome competition. Most adaptations arise through natural selection. read analysis of Adaptation

Dimorphism is when a species has two different forms with very different characteristics. Sexual dimorphism is a very most common version (for example, when the male of a species looks different from the female). Trimorphism… read analysis of Dimorphism

An endemic species is a species that only lives in a limited area. Islands, like the Galapagos, are some of the most common places to find endemic species. read analysis of Endemic

A hermaphrodite is an organism with both male and female reproductive organs. Many plants are hermaphrodites, and Darwin studied them to better understand reproduction. read analysis of Hermaphrodite

Immutability is the quality of being unable to change. It is the opposite of “mutability,” which refers something that can be easily changed. read analysis of Immutability