Early Study of Evolution

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A group of similar organisms that can mate and produce fertile offspring, which can also reproduce.

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Example: Shows how two types of crows can interbreed, illustrating the concept of species.

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Variation Noun

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[vair-ee-ay-shun]

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Variation

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Any difference that exists between individuals of the same species, contributing to diversity within a population.

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Example: Different dog breeds show variation within the same species, illustrating diversity.

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Evolution Noun

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[ev-uh-loo-shun]

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Evolution

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The gradual process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms over long periods of time.

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Example: Different beak shapes of Darwin's finches show how evolution adapts species to their environment.

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Classification Noun

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[klas-uh-fi-kay-shun]

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Classification

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The scientific system of organizing living things into groups based on their shared characteristics and relationships.

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Example: The image shows how living things are grouped from broad categories like 'Life' to specific ones like 'Species'.

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Invertebrate Noun

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[in-vur-tuh-brit]

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Invertebrate

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An animal that does not have a backbone or vertebral column, representing the majority of animal species.

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Example: The image shows a jellyfish, an invertebrate, with labeled parts like tentacles and bell, illustrating its anatomy.

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Hypothesis Noun

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[hy-poth-uh-sis]

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Hypothesis

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A testable explanation for a set of observations or a potential answer to a scientific question.

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Example: A girl with a magnifying glass and a light bulb represents forming a hypothesis.

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Fossil Noun

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[fos-uhl]

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Fossil

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The preserved remains, traces, or impressions of an organism that lived in the distant past.

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Example: This image shows a fossil, which is the preserved remains of an ancient organism.

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Naturalist Noun

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[nach-er-uh-list]

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Naturalist

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A person who is an expert in or student of natural history, observing and studying the natural world.

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Example: A naturalist observing chimpanzees in the wild to study their behavior and environment.

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Adaptation Noun

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[ad-ap-tay-shun]

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Adaptation

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An inherited trait or behavior that helps an organism survive and successfully reproduce in its specific environment.

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Example: Different bird beaks show how adaptations help birds eat specific foods in their environment.

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Common Ancestor Noun

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[kom-uhn an-ses-ter]

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Common Ancestor

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An ancestral species from which two or more different species have evolved or descended over time.

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Example: The image shows an evolutionary tree, illustrating how species like whales, humans, lizards, and birds share a common ancestor.