Evolution pt. 1 (Emergence of Life & Evidences of Evolution)

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What is DNA?

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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.

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Who is Charles Darwin?

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Charles Darwin was a naturalist and biologist known for his theory of evolution through natural selection, which he developed during his studies of species on the Galapagos Islands.

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What are adaptations?

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Adaptations are physical or behavioral characteristics that help an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have similar structures but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestor.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Evidence for evolution includes fossils, DNA similarities, homologous structures, and observed changes in species over time.

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What is a fossil?

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A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past, providing evidence of historical life forms.

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What is the significance of the Galapagos Islands in evolutionary studies?

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The Galapagos Islands were crucial for Darwin's observations of species variation, leading to his formulation of the theory of natural selection.

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How do physical characteristics help organisms survive?

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Physical characteristics, such as camouflage or specialized body parts, enhance an organism's ability to find food, avoid predators, and reproduce.