Evolution Terms

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What is a homologous structure?

Back

A homologous structure is an anatomical feature in different species that is similar due to shared ancestry, such as the wing of a bird and the wing of a bat.

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What is an analogous structure?

Back

An analogous structure is an anatomical feature in different species that serves a similar function but is not derived from a common ancestor, such as the wings of bats and birds.

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How do fossils support the theory of evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence of relatedness through similar structures to modern organisms and their age and location in the layers of earth.

Front

What does it imply if a species is found in only one location on Earth?

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It likely evolved after the ancient plates separated, indicating isolation and unique evolutionary paths.

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What is an adaptation?

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An adaptation is a trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

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Genetic variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution by allowing some individuals to survive and reproduce better than others.

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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 the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

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Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a species, while macroevolution involves larger-scale changes that can lead to the emergence of new species.

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What role do mutations play in evolution?

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Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to an organism's survival.

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What is speciation?

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Speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.