Evidence of Evolution

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What is the fossil record?

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The fossil record is a historical archive of life on Earth, providing evidence of organisms that lived in the past and showing how they have changed over time.

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How do fossils support the theory of evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence that organisms have changed over time, showing a progression of species and the emergence of new traits.

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What is punctuated equilibrium?

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Punctuated equilibrium is a hypothesis in evolutionary biology that suggests species evolve during short periods of rapid change, followed by long periods of stability.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environments survive and reproduce more successfully than others.

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Why are advantageous traits more likely to be passed down?

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Advantageous traits are more likely to be passed down because they help the organism survive and reproduce, increasing their presence in the gene pool.

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What is gradualism in evolution?

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Gradualism is the theory that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time, rather than in rapid bursts.

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What evidence do amino acid sequences provide in evolutionary biology?

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Amino acid sequences can be compared among species to determine evolutionary relationships, indicating how closely related different organisms are.

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What is the significance of transitional fossils?

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Transitional fossils provide evidence of the evolutionary links between different groups of organisms, showing how species have evolved over time.

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What role does genetic variation play in evolution?

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Genetic variation is essential for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, leading to adaptations.

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How does the concept of common descent relate to evolution?

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Common descent is the idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor, which explains the similarities and differences among species.