Evolution - Vocabulary Review

A species slowly changes over time

• Evolution

• Adaptation

• Variation

• Fitness

Answer explanation

A species evolves, not an individual

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A characteristic that helps an organism survive

• Evolution

• Adaptation

• Variation

• Natural selection

Answer explanation

Example: giraffes have long necks to reach tall trees so they can eat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

How well an organism can survive and reproduce in their environment

• Evolution

• Adaptation

• Variation

• Fitness

Answer explanation

Depending on the environment, fitness could mean the organism is small, large, strong, skinny, or any other trait!

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A living thing

• Organism

• Variation

• Natural Selection

• Adaptation

Different organisms have lots of different traits. They are called ______

• Evolution

• Adaptation

• Variation

• Fitness

Answer explanation

Some ladybugs have big spots, small spots, are dark red, or pale orange. All of these are variations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Organisms that are best suited for their environment will survive longer and reproduce. They will pass on their traits.

• Fitness

• Natural Selection

• Adaptation

• Variation

Answer explanation

Natural selection needs variation in order to work.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A shared relative between 2 different species

• Grandparents

• Evolution

• Common ancestor

• Generation changes

Answer explanation

A common ancestor is a shared ancestor for different species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When two organisms have body parts that have the same function, but are not arranged the same way

• Homologous structure

• Vestigial structure

• Analogous structure

Answer explanation

An analogous structure is NOT evidence of a common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When two organisms have body parts that are arranged in similar ways. They also might have similar functions.

• Homologous structure

• Vestigial structure

• Analogous structure

Answer explanation

A homologous structure IS evidence of a common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A body part that has no function, but may have been useful for the organism's ancestors

• Homologous structure

• Vestigial structure

• Analogous structure

Answer explanation

A vestigial structure IS evidence of a common ancestor.