Evidence for Evolution

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What is an analogous structure?

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An analogous structure is a body part that shares a similar function but not a common evolutionary origin with another body part in a different species.

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What is a homologous structure?

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A homologous structure is a body part that is similar in structure and position but may serve different functions in different species, indicating a common ancestor.

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What are vestigial organs?

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Vestigial organs are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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What is the fossil record?

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The fossil record is the collection of all known fossils and their placement in sedimentary rock layers, providing evidence of the history of life on Earth.

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How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?

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Fossils show how life forms present today are different from those in the past, indicating changes over time.

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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 the significance of sedimentary rock layers in understanding evolution?

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Sedimentary rock layers provide a chronological record of Earth's history, showing how environments and life forms have changed over time.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures indicate a common ancestor, while analogous structures indicate similar functions without a common evolutionary origin.

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What role did Charles Darwin play in the theory of evolution?

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Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution, based on his observations of species variation.

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What is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

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The human appendix is an example of a vestigial structure.