Unit 2: Evidence of Evolution Review

Front

What is anatomical homology?

Back

Anatomical homology refers to the similarity in structure between different species due to shared ancestry, indicating common evolutionary origins.

Front

How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?

Back

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

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment.

Front

What do similar embryonic stages in different species indicate?

Back

Similar embryonic stages in different species indicate common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.

Front

Which species is most closely related to the toothed whale?

Back

The baleen whale is most closely related to the toothed whale based on DNA similarities.

Front

What is biogeography?

Back

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in an early ancestor but are no longer functional in the current organism.

Front

What is the fossil record?

Back

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

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

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