Evidence for Evolution

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What is evidence for evolution?

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Evidence for evolution includes various types of data that support the idea that species change over time through processes like natural selection and common descent.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they have different functions.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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What is embryology in the context of evolution?

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Embryology is the study of embryos and their development, which can show similarities between different species, indicating common ancestry.

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What is the significance of fossils in understanding evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, helping scientists understand the history of life on Earth.

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What does the fossil record show?

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The fossil record shows the progression of species over time, including the emergence and extinction of different organisms.

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What is natural selection?

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

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What is a common ancestor?

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A common ancestor is a species from which two or more different species have evolved.

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What are analogous structures?

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Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

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How do scientists determine the age of fossils?

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Scientists determine the age of fossils using methods like relative dating and radiometric dating.