Biological Evolution and Fossil Records

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The fossil record

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The history of life documented by fossils, the remains or imprints of organisms from earlier geological periods.

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Microevolution

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Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species or population, often due to natural selection.

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Fossil

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The preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past.

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First step in fossil formation

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The organism dies and is covered with sediment to prevent decay.

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Embryo

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An early stage of development in multicellular organisms.

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Homologous structures

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Structures in different species that are similar due to common ancestry.

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Inference from homologous structures

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Organisms with homologous structures likely share a common ancestor.

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Development of new species

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New species develop through processes like natural selection and genetic drift.

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Species extinction

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When a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.

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Factors leading to extinction

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Habitat loss, climate change, and competition with other species.