Evolution Test Review - Biology I

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What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, such as the forelimbs of humans, horses, and whales.

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What is an adaptation?

Back

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

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

The process where organisms that are best suited to their environment survive and pass on their genetic traits.

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What is behavioral isolation?

Back

A type of reproductive isolation where species use unique behaviors to attract mates.

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What is a mutation?

Back

A change in a gene, group of genes, or chromosome that results in a change in the DNA sequence.

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What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, like wings of bats and birds.

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What is genetic drift?

Back

A change in the frequency of an existing gene variant in a population due to random sampling.

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What is a vestigial structure?

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A structure that has lost most or all of its original function through the course of evolution, like the human appendix.

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What is reproductive isolation?

Back

A mechanism that prevents species from mating and producing fertile offspring.

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What is the significance of variation in a population?

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Variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, leading to evolution.