Evidence of Evolution

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What is embryology?

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

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What are analogous structures?

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Structures that are similar in appearance but not in structure, indicating convergent evolution.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Structures that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the hind leg bones in whales.

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What are homologous structures?

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Structures that are similar in structure but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestor.

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What does natural selection refer to?

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

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What is speciation?

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

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What is the significance of fossil records in evolution?

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Fossil records provide evidence of the history of life and show how species have changed over time.

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What is the principle of common descent?

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The concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures share a common ancestry but may have different functions, while analogous structures have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

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What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

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Genetic variation is essential for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution.