Evolution Review

A species slowly changes over time

• Evolution

• Adaptation

• Variation

• Fitness

Answer explanation

A species evolves, not an individual

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Studying embryos to look for similarities in how different species develop

• Embryology

• Comparative Anatomy

• DNA Sequencing

• Fossils

Answer explanation

Studying these allows us to compare organisms that are alive today to organisms that are extinct

• Embryology

• Comparative Anatomy

• DNA Sequencing

• Fossils

Answer explanation