Unit 2 Earth History and Evolution

Front

What is the principle of superposition in geology?

Back

In a sequence of undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Front

Define relative dating in geology.

Back

Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by comparing them to other rocks and fossils in a sequence.

Front

What is an igneous rock intrusion?

Back

An igneous rock intrusion is formed when magma from beneath the Earth's surface cools and solidifies within existing rock layers.

Front

Explain the concept of natural selection.

Back

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

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Back

Fossil records, comparative anatomy, and genetic similarities among species provide evidence for evolution.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

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

Front

Define extinction.

Back

Extinction is the end of an organism or a group of organisms, typically due to environmental changes or loss of habitat.

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and help scientists understand the evolution and extinction of species over time.

Front

What is the significance of homologous structures in evolution?

Back

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships.

Front

Explain the concept of a common ancestor.

Back

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