Evolution and Natural Selection

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What is the theory that has significant evidence to support it?

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A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence.

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What does 'change over time' refer to in biological terms?

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Evolution refers to the process through which species change over time through adaptations and natural selection.

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What term describes genetic differences between organisms of the same species?

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Variation refers to the differences in genetic traits among individuals within a species.

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What are similar structures with different purposes found in different species called?

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Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

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What are body parts that have no function now and are just the remains from an ancestor called?

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Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in an early ancestor but are no longer functional in the current organism.

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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 adaptation in the context of evolution?

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Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What is the difference between analogous and homologous structures?

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Analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, while homologous structures share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

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What is the fossil record?

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The fossil record is the history of life on Earth as documented by fossils, which provide evidence of past organisms and their evolution.

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What is the significance of variation in a population?

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Variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution; without variation, all individuals would be identical and unable to adapt.