Evidence of Evolution

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What is embryology?

Back

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

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What is speciation?

Back

The formation of a new species, typically as a result of divergence.

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What can be determined by observing embryos of different organisms?

Back

The organisms share a common ancestry.

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What are vestigial structures?

Back

Structures that had a function in an ancestor but are no longer used in the same way, such as the hind leg bones in whales.

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What is the significance of homologous structures?

Back

They are structures that share a common ancestry, even if their functions differ.

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What is the difference between analogous and homologous structures?

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

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What does natural selection refer to?

Back

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

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What is microevolution?

Back

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species, often observed over a short period.

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What is gradualism in evolution?

Back

The theory that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods.

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What is punctuated equilibrium?

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The theory that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.