Evidence for Evolution

Front

What is a homologous structure?

Back

A homologous structure is an anatomical feature in different species that is similar in structure but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestry.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution, such as the hind leg bones in whales.

Front

What is an analogous structure?

Back

An analogous structure is a body part that serves a similar function in different species but is not similar in structure, indicating convergent evolution.

Front

What is the fossil record?

Back

The fossil record is the collection of all known fossils, which provides evidence of the history of life on Earth and shows how species have changed over time.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary change.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Back

Evidence for evolution includes the fossil record, homologous structures, vestigial structures, and genetic similarities among species.

Front

What is the significance of embryonic development in evolution?

Back

Embryonic development shows similarities among different species, suggesting a common ancestry and providing evidence for evolutionary relationships.

Front

Who is Charles Darwin?

Back

Charles Darwin was a naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, based on his observations of species variation and adaptation.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures share a common ancestry but may have different functions, while analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations are changes in DNA that can lead to new traits in organisms, providing raw material for natural selection to act upon.