NOVA Evolution Lab Missions 1-5

The changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes.

• extinction

• adaptation

• mutation

• cells

A four-footed animal, especially a member of a group which includes all vertebrates higher than fish.

• tetrapods

• mammals

• bipedal

• quadrapods

The process where organisms that better adapt to their environment tend to have more chance to survive.

• trait

• amniotes

• natural selection

• evolution

An animal or plant on which a parasite lives.

• HIV

• host

• parasite

• virus

An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.

• virus

• species

• parasite

• host

The natural environment of an organism; place that is natural for the life and growth of an organism.

• tree

• habitat

• environment

• island

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of Earth.

• Natural Selection

• Reproduce

• Evolution

• Adaptation

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material which is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

• organisms

• DNA

• HIV

• cells

The study of the geographical distribution of living things.

• Biology

• Biogeography

• Evolution

• Geology

Changing over time to better survive in organism's environment.

• ancestor

• trait

• evolution

• adaptations