Fossil & Common Ancestry

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What is common ancestry?

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Common ancestry refers to the idea that different species share a common ancestor from which they have evolved over time.

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What evidence supports the theory of common ancestry?

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Evidence includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, genetic similarities, and embryonic development.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a similar origin but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestor.

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What are analogous structures?

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Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common evolutionary origin.

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What is the significance of fossil records in understanding evolution?

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Fossil records provide evidence of past life forms and show how species have changed over time, supporting the theory of evolution.

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What is the role of natural selection in evolution?

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

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What is a transitional fossil?

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Transitional fossils are fossils that show intermediate characteristics between two different groups, providing evidence for evolution.

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What is the difference between extinction and speciation?

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Extinction is the end of a species, while speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones.

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What are vestigial structures?

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

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How do genetic similarities provide evidence for common ancestry?

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Genetic similarities indicate that species share a common ancestor, as closely related species have more similar DNA sequences.