Evidence of Evolution

Front

What is common ancestry?

Back

When organisms are descended from a single ancestor.

Front

What is artificial selection?

Back

Artificial selection, or selective breeding, is a way that humans impact evolution.

Front

What do closely related organisms have in common?

Back

Very similar DNA sequences.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry.

Front

What does the fossil record help scientists understand?

Back

It helps scientists understand the kinds of organisms that lived in the past, how the environment has changed over time, and how organisms have evolved.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Structures that have lost their original function through evolution.

Front

What is embryology in the context of evolution?

Back

The study of the development of embryos, which can show similarities between different species.

Front

What is the significance of DNA in evolution?

Back

DNA sequences can indicate how closely related different species are.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.