Evolution STAAR Vocabulary

Front

The formation of a new species is called

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speciation

Front

A group of organisms that share descent from a previous organism is said to have

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a common ancestor

Front

The proper term that refers to a change in allele frequency over time resulting in modern organisms descending from ancient organisms (decent with modification).

Back

evolution

Front

Some structures have different mature forms in different organisms, but develop from the same embryonic tissues providing evidence of common ancestry. These structures are referred to as _______________

Back

homologous structures

Front

The study of embryos to show evidence of common ancestry is known as

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embryology

Front

_____________________ are inherited characteristics that increase an organism's chance of survival.

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Adaptations

Front

The similarity of one species to another, which protects one or both, is _________________ (monarch and viceroy butterflies).

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mimicry

Front

A _______________________ is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.

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cladogram

Front

The pattern of evolution in which long stable periods (stasis) are interrupted by brief periods of rapid changes is ___________________________

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punctuated equilibrium

Front

__________________________ is the disappearance of a species from all parts of its geographical range.

Back

Extinction