Evidence of Evolution Vocab

Front

Most recent ancestral species from which two species evolved

Back

common ancestor

Front

Ancestral relationship illustration between organisms

Back

phylogenetic tree or cladogram

Front

Characteristic shared by two species due to common ancestry (anatomical, molecular, or developmental similarities)

Back

homologous

Front

Anatomical structures performing the same function in different species, evolved from a common ancestor.

Back

homologous structure

Front

Similarities in genes, RNA, or amino acid sequences between species

Back

molecular homology

Front

Similarities in embryo development between species

Back

developmental homology

Front

A structure in an organism that is reduced in size and function, once important in its ancestor.

Back

vestigial structure

Front

Similarity in structure between unrelated species due to convergent evolution; e.g., wings of birds and butterflies.

Back

analogous structure

Front

Study of organism distribution in geographic areas

Back

biogeography

Front

Remains or imprint of organisms providing clues about the past and its taxonomic history.

Back

fossil record