Unit 5: Evidence for Evolution 2

Front

What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Back

A scientific theory proposed by Charles Darwin that explains how species evolve over time through the process of natural selection, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

Who is known for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Back

Charles Darwin.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they have different functions.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Body parts in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the hip bones in whales.

Front

What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

Back

A change or process in which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment to survive.

Front

What does it mean when we say two species share a common ancestor?

Back

It means that both species evolved from a species that existed in the past.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

The process by which new and distinct species evolve from a common ancestor.

Front

Give an example of an adaptation in animals.

Back

The long neck of a giraffe, which allows it to reach high leaves in trees.

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in evolution?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of how species have changed over time and can show the relationships between different species.