Evidence of Evolution

Front

What is embryology?

Back

The study of embryos of various organisms to show a common ancestor because of similarities in development.

Front

What does Darwin's theory of evolution suggest?

Back

Species change over time.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A structure that has lost most or all of its original function in the course of evolution, e.g., the tailbone of a human.

Front

What can be inferred if species A and B have very similar genes and proteins?

Back

Species A and B share a relatively recent common ancestor.

Front

What does the fossil record show about the age of fossils?

Back

Fossils found in deeper rock layers are generally older than those found in upper layers.

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Front

What is the significance of homologous structures?

Back

Structures that are similar in different species due to shared ancestry, indicating evolutionary relationships.

Front

What is the difference between analogous and homologous structures?

Back

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

Front

What is a common ancestor?

Back

An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.