Taxonomy/Evolution Vocab

Front

Analogous structures

Back

Body parts that share a common function but not structure, such as the wings of birds and insects.

Front

Binomial nomenclature

Back

A classification system in which each species is assigned a two-part scientific name, consisting of the genus and species.

Front

Genetic drift

Back

A random change in allele frequencies in a population, often having a significant effect on small populations.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Front

Fossil record

Back

Information about past life, including the structure of organisms and the order in which they lived.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

Cladogram

Back

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Front

Homologous structures

Back

Body parts that share a common structure but may have different functions, such as the forelimbs of mammals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

Vestigial structures

Back

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, like the human appendix.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

Speciation

Back

The process by which new species arise from existing species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

Taxonomy

Back

The science of classifying organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.

Front

Gene flow

Back

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can affect allele frequencies.