Evolution,Common Ancestry,& Fossil Flashcard

Front

What is an inherited trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment?

Back

Adaptation

Front

What do we call all of the fossils that have been discovered?

Back

Fossil record

Front

What is another term for an evolutionary tree?

Back

Cladogram

Front

According to scientists, which group of animals are whales more closely related to: lemurs or clownfish?

Back

Lemurs

Front

What does the evolutionary tree show about the relationship between fish, amphibians, and reptiles?

Back

The common ancestor of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Front

What is the significance of a common ancestor in evolutionary biology?

Back

It represents the shared lineage from which different species have evolved.

Front

Define 'natural selection' in the context of evolution.

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.

Front

How does a cladogram represent evolutionary relationships?

Back

A cladogram visually depicts the branching patterns of evolution, showing how species are related through common ancestry.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution.