Comparative Anatomy

Comparative Anatomy

Assessment

Flashcard

Science

6th - 8th Grade

Hard

Created by

Barbara White

FREE Resource

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8 questions

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1.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Comparative Anatomy Noun

[kuhm-par-uh-tiv uh-nat-uh-mee]

Back

Comparative Anatomy


The study of similarities and differences in the body structures of different species to understand evolutionary relationships and adaptations.

Example: This image shows that animals like humans, whales, and birds have forelimbs with a similar bone structure, even though they are used for different tasks. This similarity suggests they share a common ancestor.
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2.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Anatomy Noun

[uh-nat-uh-mee]

Back

Anatomy


The scientific study of the structure of organisms and their parts, including their systems, organs, and tissues.

Example: This image shows a human skeleton with major bones labeled, introducing the concept of anatomy, which is the study of the body's structure.
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3.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Homologous Structures Noun

[hoh-mol-uh-guhs struhk-cherz]

Back

Homologous Structures


Body parts in different species that are similar in structure because they were inherited from a common ancestor.

Example: This image shows that the forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats have the same basic bone structure, even though they have different functions.
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4.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Analogous Structures Noun

[uh-nal-uh-guhs struhk-cherz]

Back

Analogous Structures


Body parts in different species that have a similar function but different structures, not inherited from a common ancestor.

Example: A bird's wing and an insect's wing are analogous structures; they both allow for flight but have very different internal structures and evolutionary origins.
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5.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Vestigial Structures Noun

[ves-tij-ee-uhl struhk-cherz]

Back

Vestigial Structures


Anatomical features or remains of structures that were functional in an ancestor but have lost their original function.

Example: This diagram shows an animal's foot where the dewclaws are smaller and no longer used for walking, making them an example of vestigial structures.
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6.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Common Ancestor Noun

[kom-uhn an-ses-ter]

Back

Common Ancestor


An ancestral species or group from which two or more different species are believed to have evolved or descended.

Example: This diagram shows how two different groups, or lineages, can be traced back in time to a single shared ancestor, the point where their evolutionary paths split.
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7.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Evolution Noun

[ev-uh-loo-shuhn]

Back

Evolution


The process of change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations through natural selection.

Example: This image shows how related species, Darwin's finches, evolved different beak shapes to adapt to various food sources, demonstrating evolution through comparative anatomy.
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8.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Biological Classification Noun

[bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl klas-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

Back

Biological Classification


The systematic grouping and naming of organisms into categories based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

Example: This diagram shows biological classification, a system scientists use to organize living things into a hierarchy from the most general group (Life) to the most specific (Species).
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