3.3 Post Mini-Flashcard

Front

What is adaptation?

Back

A trait that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, such as forelimbs of a human and forelimbs of a whale.

Front

What is a trace fossil?

Back

A type of fossil that provides evidence of the activity of organisms, such as footprints.

Front

What are body fossils?

Back

Fossils that preserve the physical form of an organism, such as bones or shells.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, such as wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird.

Front

What is the significance of adaptation in evolution?

Back

Adaptation allows organisms to better survive and reproduce in their environments, leading to evolutionary changes over time.

Front

Can you give an example of a trait that is an adaptation?

Back

The thick fur of polar bears is an adaptation that helps them survive in cold environments.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a body fossil?

Back

A dinosaur bone is an example of a body fossil.

Front

What is the role of trace fossils in understanding past life?

Back

Trace fossils provide insights into the behavior and activities of organisms, such as movement and feeding.