Darwin and Evidence for Evolution

Front

What does the similarity of structures in different species suggest?

Back

A common ancestor.

Front

What structure in whales suggests they share a common ancestor with land-dwelling mammals?

Back

Vestigial hind limbs.

Front

What is the term for structures with the same parts but different functions, like bat wings and human arms?

Back

Homologous structures.

Front

What is the study of embryos in different species known as?

Back

Embryology.

Front

What can be deduced from animals in different continents having similar characteristics due to similar environmental conditions?

Back

Living things can adapt similarly to similar environments over time.

Front

What are structures that have lost their original function called?

Back

Vestigial structures.

Front

What is the term for structures that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry?

Back

Analogous structures.

Front

What is adaptive radiation?

Back

The process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Back

Fossils, homologous structures, and genetic similarities.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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