Evolution Vocabulary

Front

What is a body, organ, or bone that is still present but no longer useful to the organism?

Back

Vestigial Structure

Front

What is an inherited characteristic that helps organisms survive?

Back

Adaptation

Front

What is the definition of evolution?

Back

Changes over time in populations.

Front

What type of traits does natural selection pass down?

Back

Favorable traits.

Front

What do we call a similar bone or organ within many different species of life?

Back

Homologous structure.

Front

What is the process by which organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?

Back

Natural selection.

Front

What term describes the gradual change in species over time?

Back

Evolution.

Front

What is the significance of vestigial structures in evolutionary biology?

Back

They provide evidence of an organism's evolutionary past.

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.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to adaptations.