Flashcard on Evolution and Fossils

Front

Homologous structures

Back

Structures that are similar but have different functions and show common ancestry.

Front

Which of the following is an example of analogous structures?

• Arm of a human and wing of a bat
• Bird and butterfly wing
• Fossils and sedimentary rocks
• Embryos at different stages

Back

Bird and butterfly wing

Front

What is absolute dating used for?

Back

Determining the exact age of rock using radioactive materials

Front

What does embryology compare?

Back

Embryos at different stages of development

Front

What is common ancestry?

Back

Organisms descended from a common ancestor

Front

What does evolution refer to?

Back

Change in a population or species over time

Front

What is sedimentary rock?

Back

Rock formed from particles of other rocks or remains of plants and animals

Front

What does the fossil record tell us?

Back

History of life as documented by fossils

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

Preserved remains or traces of an organism

Front

Relative dating

Back

Estimating the age of rock by comparing rock layers