Evidence for Evolution

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Body structures that are formed in similar ways during embryonic development and share similar patterns of bone structure, indicating common ancestry.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures that have a similar function but are structurally different, indicating convergent evolution.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

Front

Define evolution.

Back

The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in evolution?

Back

Fossils provide a historical record of past life forms and show how species have changed over time.

Front

What is embryonic development?

Back

The process by which the embryo forms and develops, often revealing similarities between different species.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures share a common ancestry and similar embryonic development, while analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.

Front

What is adaptive radiation?

Back

The process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments.