Unit 5: Evidence for Evolution 2

Front

What are Homologous Structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, even if they have different functions.

Front

What are Analogous Structures?

Back

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but evolved independently, not from a common ancestor.

Front

What are Vestigial Structures?

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

Front

What is Natural Selection?

Back

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

Front

How do adaptations help organisms?

Back

Adaptations are traits that improve an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is the significance of Darwin's finches?

Back

Darwin's finches illustrate how species can adapt to different environments, leading to variations in traits like beak shape.

Front

What is the role of environmental factors in evolution?

Back

Environmental factors can influence which traits are advantageous, leading to changes in populations over time.

Front

What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

Back

Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits, while divergent evolution occurs when related species become more different.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Back

Fossil records, genetic similarities, and observed changes in species over time provide evidence for evolution.

Front

What is adaptive radiation?

Back

The process by which a single ancestor species rapidly diversifies into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.