Evolution Benchmark Review

Front

What is evolution?

Back

Evolution is the process through which species change over time through variations and natural selection.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Back

Evidence includes fossil records, homologous structures, vestigial structures, and DNA comparisons.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have similar structures but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestor.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

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

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

What is a common ancestor?

Back

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

Front

How does DNA evidence support evolution?

Back

DNA evidence shows genetic similarities between species, indicating how closely related they are and supporting the idea of common ancestry.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Front

What role does geographic isolation play in evolution?

Back

Geographic isolation can lead to speciation as populations of the same species become separated and evolve differently.

Front

What is the significance of embryology in evolutionary biology?

Back

Embryology studies the development of embryos, showing similarities in early stages of different species, indicating common ancestry.