Evolution Flashcard Review

Front

What are mutations?

Back

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. They can lead to genetic variation, which is essential for evolution.

Front

Why are mutations important for evolution?

Back

Mutations are important because they bring about genetic variation needed for a population to evolve.

Front

What does comparative anatomy study?

Back

Comparative anatomy studies the similarities and differences in the bone structures of different animals, suggesting that they share a common ancestry.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process where better adapted organisms survive and pass their traits to offspring.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a feature that allows an organism to survive better in its environment.

Front

What happens to individuals that are well adapted to their environment?

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Individuals that are well adapted to their environment will survive and produce more offspring.

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What are vestigial structures?

Back

Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

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What is the fossil record?

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The fossil record is the history of life on Earth as documented by fossils, providing evidence for evolution.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

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Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and evolve over time.

Front

What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Back

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a principle that describes a population that is not evolving, where allele frequencies remain constant.