Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution. An example is the pelvis bone in whales.

Front

What is an analogous structure?

Back

An analogous structure is a body part that serves a similar function in different species but does not share a common evolutionary origin. An example is a penguin flipper and a fish fin.

Front

What is a homologous structure?

Back

A homologous structure is a body part that is similar in structure and position but may serve different functions in different species, indicating a common ancestor.

Front

What does evidence of a common ancestor imply?

Back

It implies that different species share a lineage and have evolved from a shared ancestral form.

Front

What is a common ancestor?

Back

A common ancestor is the most recent species from which two or more different species have evolved.

Front

What can vestigial pelvic and leg bones in whales indicate?

Back

They suggest that the ancestors of whales may have been land mammals.

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What is the significance of homologous structures in evolution?

Back

They provide evidence for the theory of evolution by showing how different species have diverged from a common ancestor.

Front

How do analogous structures differ from homologous structures?

Back

Analogous structures serve similar functions but do not share a common evolutionary origin, while homologous structures share a common ancestor.

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding evolution?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and can show how species have changed over time, supporting the theory of evolution.

Front

What is the concept of natural selection?

Back

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