Natural Selection

Front

What causes variations in organisms?

Back

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits among organisms.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What did the discovery of DNA and genes prove about mutations?

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Mutations create variations and come from genes, supporting the idea that genetic changes can lead to different traits.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is the term for the change over time in populations of related species?

Back

Biological evolution refers to the process through which species change over time through adaptations and variations.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What are body parts that function similarly but have different structures called?

Back

Analogous structures are body parts that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What are structures in organisms that are believed to be remnants of ancestors?

Back

Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, indicating a common ancestry.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are similar in structure but different in function, indicating a common ancestor, while analogous structures are similar in function but different in structure.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic diversity, which is essential for natural selection to occur.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4