Evolution Norris 8th

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What is evolution?

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Evolution is the process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and change over time through natural selection and genetic variation.

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What are homologous structures?

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

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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 hind leg bones in whales.

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past, often found in sedimentary rock.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Evidence for evolution includes fossils, homologous structures, vestigial structures, and DNA comparisons.

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What is natural selection?

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

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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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What is the significance of comparing fossils?

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Comparing fossils helps scientists understand how species have changed over time and the evolutionary relationships between them.

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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 role of DNA in evolution?

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DNA provides the genetic information that can change over generations, leading to evolution through mutations and natural selection.