Evolution,Common Ancestry,& Fossil Flashcard

Front

What is extinction?

Back

Extinction occurs when all members of a species have died.

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What is another word for an evolutionary tree?

Back

Cladogram.

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How does evolution occur?

Back

Evolution occurs over multiple generations.

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What does an evolutionary tree show?

Back

It shows the relationships between different groups of organisms and their common ancestors.

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What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms that inherit advantageous traits tend to reproduce more successfully than others.

Front

What is a common ancestor?

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A common ancestor is an organism from which two or more different species have evolved.

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What is the significance of fossils in understanding evolution?

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

Front

What is a cladogram used for?

Back

A cladogram is used to illustrate the evolutionary relationships among various species.

Front

What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?

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Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed organisms for desired traits, while natural selection is driven by environmental pressures.

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What is the role of mutations in evolution?

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Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be advantageous for survival.