5.2-5.4 Evolution Review

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What is evolution?

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Evolution is the process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and change over time through natural selection and genetic variation.

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.

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What is a common ancestor?

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A common ancestor is an extinct species from which later species evolved.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry.

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How do homologous structures provide evidence for evolution?

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Homologous structures indicate that organisms with similar bone structures share a common ancestor.

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What is natural selection?

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

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What is adaptation?

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Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism 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.

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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, such as the hip bones in whales.

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What is speciation?

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Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing species due to evolutionary changes.