Earth History & Evolution BW 12.17

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution, often found in organisms that share a common ancestor.

Front

What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

Back

The fossil record provides evidence for the history of life on Earth, showing how different species have changed over time and how they are related.

Front

In what type of rock do fossils typically form?

Back

Fossils typically form in sedimentary rock, which is created from the accumulation of sediment.

Front

What is the correct order of geological layers from oldest to youngest?

Back

The correct order of geological layers from oldest to youngest is E, B, C, D, A.

Front

What era did the first forms of life appear?

Back

The first forms of life appeared in the Precambrian era.

Front

What is the significance of comparative embryology in evolution?

Back

Comparative embryology studies the similarities and differences in the embryos of different species, providing evidence for common ancestry.

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating of fossils?

Back

Relative dating determines the age of fossils based on their position in sedimentary layers, while absolute dating uses radiometric techniques to determine a specific age.

Front

What is a common misconception about evolution?

Back

A common misconception is that evolution is a linear process; in reality, it is a branching process with many species evolving from common ancestors.

Front

What role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation in a population, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.