Evidence for evolution

Front

What is biogeography?

Back

The study of the distribution of living organisms across different geographical areas and the historical factors that influence this distribution.

Front

What evidence for evolution is exemplified by fossils found on opposite sides of a mountain range?

Back

Biogeography.

Front

Why are similar fossils found all over the world?

Back

Because the land masses were once connected.

Front

What physical changes did early humans undergo over the past million years?

Back

Brain size increased as jaw size decreased.

Front

What is coevolution?

Back

When two organisms, such as predator and prey, evolve in response to one another.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Anatomical features that have lost their original function through evolution.

Front

What is the significance of analogous structures in evolution?

Back

They are structures that serve similar functions but evolved independently in different species, indicating convergent evolution.

Front

What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

Back

Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits, while divergent evolution occurs when related species evolve different traits.

Front

What role does embryology play in understanding evolution?

Back

Embryology studies the development of embryos, revealing similarities in early stages that suggest common ancestry among species.

Front

What is gradualism in evolutionary theory?

Back

The idea that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time.