Evidence of Evolution and Natural Selection

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What is the evidence of evolution?

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Evidence of evolution includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, genetic similarities, and observed evolutionary changes in species.

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What is natural selection?

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

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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 human appendix.

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What is a homologous structure?

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Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, such as the forelimbs of humans and whales.

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What is an analogous structure?

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Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, like the wings of birds and insects.

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What does the fossil record show?

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The fossil record provides evidence of the history of life on Earth, showing how species have changed over time.

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What is a common ancestor?

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A common ancestor is a species from which two or more different species have evolved.

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How do light-colored tree trunks affect moth populations?

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Light-colored tree trunks favor light-colored moths because they are less visible to predators.

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Where are older fossils typically found?

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Older fossils are typically found deeper within the Earth's crust.

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What is the significance of genetic similarities in evolution?

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Genetic similarities among species indicate a shared ancestry and can provide evidence for evolutionary relationships.