Evolution pt 2 (Embryology & Fossil Record)

Front

What is the geological time scale?

Back

A timeline of the events in Earth's history that organizes geological and biological events.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar in origin and structure, indicating a common ancestor.

Front

Why is quick burial important for fossilization?

Back

It protects animals from the environment and scavengers, increasing the chances of fossilization.

Front

What does it mean if two organisms have very similar DNA sequences?

Back

It indicates that the organisms are closely related and share a common ancestor.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What is embryology?

Back

The study of embryos and their development, providing insights into evolutionary relationships.

Front

How can fossils provide evidence for evolution?

Back

Fossils show changes in species over time and can illustrate the transition from one species to another.

Front

What is the significance of transitional fossils?

Back

Transitional fossils provide evidence of the evolutionary process by showing intermediary forms between different species.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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