Evidence of Evolution

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Features in different organisms that share a common ancestor but have different functions.

Front

What is embryology?

Back

The study of embryos of various organisms to show similarities in development, indicating a common ancestor.

Front

What can be determined by observing embryos of different organisms?

Back

The organisms share a common ancestry.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures in different organisms that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestor.

Front

What is the significance of vestigial organs?

Back

They are remnants of structures that had a function in ancestral species but are no longer functional in the current organism.

Front

What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

Back

It provides evidence of the history of life and the changes in species over time.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

What is speciation?

Back

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Front

What is the principle of common descent?

Back

The idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

Genetic variation is essential for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution.