Review - Evolution

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What is a vestigial structure?

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A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution. An example is the tailbone in humans.

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What is the significance of common ancestors in evolution?

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Common ancestors indicate that different species share a lineage and have evolved from a shared ancestor, which is supported by similarities in fossils, embryology, anatomy, or biochemistry.

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What are Saurischian dinosaurs?

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Saurischian dinosaurs are a group of dinosaurs that are most closely related to birds, characterized by their lizard-like hips.

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What is the relationship between Canis lupus and Canis latrans?

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Canis latrans, or the coyote, is the species most closely related to the wolf, Canis lupus.

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What is embryology and its role in evolution?

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Embryology is the study of embryos and their development. Similarities in embryonic development among different species suggest common ancestry.

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Define 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 the role of fossils in understanding evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, helping scientists understand the evolutionary history of species.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution, not common ancestry.

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What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

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Adaptation is a trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

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Genetic variation is crucial for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.