Evolution

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What is Divergent Evolution?

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A process where a number of different species arise from one common ancestor, often due to new environments causing differences to evolve in populations.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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What is a principle of natural selection?

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Natural selection is based on principles such as competition for resources, variation via mutations, and adaptations. However, the idea that older organisms are more wise is not a principle of natural selection.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

Define fitness in the context of evolution.

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Fitness refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

How might decades of whale hunting affect the natural selection of whale species?

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It could lead to the whales becoming smaller over time due to selective pressure from hunting.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is an adaptation?

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A trait or change in lifestyle that helps a plant or animal survive in its environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is the definition of evolution?

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The process through which species change over time through variations and natural selection.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is natural selection?

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A mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is coevolution?

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The process where two or more species influence each other's evolutionary path.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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What are homologous structures?

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Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they have different functions.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

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A body part that has lost its original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2