L.15 Academic Vocab

Front

Extinction of many species in a short geological time due to catastrophic events or rapid environmental changes.

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MASS EXTINCTION

Front

Contain Carbon; building blocks of proteins

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AMINO ACIDS

Front

Change process for organisms to better fit their environment.

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ADAPTATION

Front

Opening in sea floor with heated mineral-rich water

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HYDROTHERMAL VENT

Front

Layers of rock or soil formed from sediment, altered by pressure, heat, and chemicals.

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SEDIMENTARY STRATA

Front

Remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in rock.

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FOSSIL

Front

(of a species, family, or larger group) having no living members; no longer in existence

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EXTINCT

Front

Microscopic single-celled organism without a distinct nucleus or specialized organelles. Includes bacteria and cyanobacteria.

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PROKARYOTE

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Unicellular microorganisms with cell walls, no organelles, and no organized nucleus, some causing disease.

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BACTERIA

Front

Placement of fossils in Earth's layers indicates age; older fossils are deeper. Used to determine existence and evolution of life forms.

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FOSSIL RECORD