Natural Selection and Evolution

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What is a common ancestor?

Back

An original species from which all other species evolved.

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Why are favorable traits more likely to be passed onto offspring?

Back

Because they are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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What does it mean to adapt?

Back

To change in response to the environment.

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What are fossils?

Back

Remains of ancient organisms.

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What does it mean when a species is described as extinct?

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It means that there are no known living individuals of that species.

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What is natural selection?

Back

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

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What is variation in a species?

Back

Differences in traits among individuals of the same species.

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What is the fossil record?

Back

The history of life on Earth as documented by fossils.

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What is speciation?

Back

The process by which new species arise from existing species.

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What is mutation?

Back

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits.