25 Evolution Vocabulary pt. 1

Front

What is speciation?

Back

The process of forming a new species from a pre-existing one.

Front

What does inherited mean in the context of evolution?

Back

Characteristics or conditions that are genetically passed down from one's parents or ancestors to their offspring.

Front

What is biogeography?

Back

The study of past and present geographical distribution of species.

Front

What does stasis mean?

Back

To stay the same - not evolving.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Body parts of organisms that are the same in structure and position but different in function.

Front

What is divergent evolution?

Back

The process where two or more related species become more dissimilar over time.

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 are analogous structures?

Back

Body parts that have similar functions but different structures and evolutionary origins.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Front

What is extinction?

Back

The end of an organism or a group of organisms, typically due to environmental changes or loss of habitat.