Evolution and Natural Selection

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What is an analogous structure?

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An analogous structure is a body part that shares a common function but not a common evolutionary origin. For example, the wings of birds and insects serve the same function of flying but evolved independently.

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What is a homologous structure?

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A homologous structure is a body part that is similar in structure and position but may serve different functions, indicating a common evolutionary ancestor. For example, the forelimbs of humans and whales.

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What is a vestigial structure?

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A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution. An example is the human appendix.

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What does genetic variation mean?

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Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals within a population, which is essential for evolution.

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Why are mutations important in evolution?

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Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is necessary for a population to evolve and adapt to changing environments.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Evidence for evolution includes fossils, molecular biology, comparative anatomy, and embryology.

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What is the significance of fossils in understanding evolution?

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Fossils provide historical evidence of past life forms and show how species have changed over time.

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How does molecular biology support the theory of evolution?

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Molecular biology shows that all living organisms share a common genetic code, indicating a shared ancestry.

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What is comparative anatomy?

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Comparative anatomy is the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species, which helps to understand evolutionary relationships.

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What is embryology in the context of evolution?

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Embryology is the study of the development of embryos, which can reveal similarities between different species, suggesting common ancestry.