Evolution

Front

What is the definition of evolution?

Back

Change over time in the heritable characteristics of biological populations.

Front

What is a vestigial structure?

Back

A structure that has lost most or all of its original function through the course of evolution, such as the pelvic bone in whales.

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 an example of a sudden environmental change?

Back

A wildfire.

Front

What trait did Darwin focus on in Galapagos finches?

Back

Their beak shape.

Front

What is a homologous structure?

Back

An anatomical feature that is similar in different species because they share a common ancestor.

Front

What is an analogous structure?

Back

An anatomical feature that serves a similar function in different species but evolved independently.

Front

What is adaptation?

Back

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

The process by which new species arise from existing species.