Topic 5: Evolution Vocabulary

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Theory

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an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time that can be used to accurately explain related occurrences

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Fossil Record

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a collection of fossils used to represent Earth's history

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Geologic time

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Earth's history as revealed by layers of rock

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Natural Selection

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The process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce.

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Overproduction

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the potential for a species to increase its numbers beyond the area's carrying capacity.

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Genetic Variation

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the normal differences found among offspring

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Adaptive Value

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any trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce under a given set of environmental conditions

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Extinction

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The disappearance of all members of a species from Earth.