Heredity

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Cladogram Noun

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[KLAD-uh-gram]

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Cladogram

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A branching diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among species based on shared, inherited characteristics.

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Example: A cladogram showing evolutionary relationships among species, highlighting shared traits like vertebrae and amniotic eggs.

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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 ancestor that is shared by two or more different descendant species, representing a branching point in evolution.

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Example: This diagram shows how different species share a common ancestor, with branches representing evolutionary paths.

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Trait Noun

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[trayt]

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Trait

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A specific, inherited characteristic of an organism that is passed down from parents to their offspring.

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Example: The image shows how traits like flower color are inherited in pea plants through pollination and seed formation.

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Evolution Noun

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[ev-uh-LOO-shun]

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Evolution

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The process by which living organisms have developed and diversified from earlier forms throughout Earth's history.

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Example: Different beak shapes of Darwin's finches show how species adapt over time to their environment.

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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 living organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

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Example: The image shows how two species of crows can interbreed to produce hybrids, illustrating the concept of species.

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Extinction Noun

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[ik-STINGK-shun]

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Extinction

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The process by which a species, family, or other group of organisms ceases to exist entirely.

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Example: The dodo bird is an example of a species that became extinct, meaning it no longer exists.

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Heredity Noun

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[huh-RED-i-tee]

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Heredity

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The passing of genetic traits and characteristics from parents to their offspring through reproduction.

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Example: The image shows how genetic traits are passed from parent flowers to offspring through cross-pollination.

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Offspring Noun

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[AWF-spring]

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Offspring

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The young born of living organisms, produced by one or two parents through reproduction.

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Example: A hydra produces offspring through budding, where a new individual grows from the parent.

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Selective Breeding Noun

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[si-LEK-tiv BREE-ding]

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Selective Breeding

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The process where humans intentionally breed plants or animals to select for and propagate specific, desirable traits.

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Example: The image shows selective breeding by cross-pollinating flowers to produce plants with desired traits.

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Chromosome Noun

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[KROH-muh-sohm]

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Chromosome

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A thread-like structure of coiled DNA found in the nucleus of cells, carrying genetic information.

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Example: The image shows a chromosome inside a cell nucleus, with labels for DNA and centromere, explaining its role in carrying genetic information.