Evolution and Natural Selection

Front

What does similar DNA in two species likely indicate?

Back

These animals have a common ancestor.

Front

Who decides which traits should be passed on in natural selection?

Back

Nature.

Front

What is the starting point for almost all adaptations?

Back

Mutation.

Front

What are traits that can be passed on from parents to their offspring called?

Back

Heritable traits.

Front

How do mutations play a role in natural selection?

Back

A mutation may result in an adaptive trait that makes an organism more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What is evolution?

Back

The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is a common ancestor?

Back

An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits.