LOJH UNIT 6: Evidence of Evolution Review

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What are vestigial structures?

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Vestigial structures are organs or parts of an organism that have lost their original function through evolution. Examples include the human appendix and the pelvic bones in whales.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions. An example is the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats.

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What is convergent evolution?

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Convergent evolution is the process where unrelated species develop similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures. An example is the wings of birds and bats.

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What is divergent evolution?

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Divergent evolution occurs when two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures. An example is the evolution of different species of finches on the Galápagos Islands.

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What is coevolution?

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Coevolution is the process where two or more species influence each other's evolution. An example is the relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators.

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What is genetic drift?

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Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population, which can lead to significant changes over time.

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What is the significance of DNA similarity in evolutionary biology?

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DNA similarity among species indicates a common ancestry and helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships. For example, the DNA of hippos is closely related to that of whales.

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How do bird beaks evolve?

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Bird beaks evolve mainly due to the type of food available in their environment, leading to adaptations that enhance their feeding efficiency.

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What are analogous structures?

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Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry. An example is the wings of insects and birds.

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What is the role of fossils in understanding evolution?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their evolution, showing how species have changed over time and how they relate to current species.