Chapter 9 Diversity of Life

Trait

A specific characteristic that an organism can pass to its offspring

adaption

A trait that increases an organisms ability to survive and reproduce

Variation

Any difference between individuals of the same species

Branching Tree Diagram

Probable evolutionary relationships among organisms and the order of which specific characteristics may have evolved

Evolution

Process of change over time

Genes

Segments of DNA that determine characteristics of an organism

Homologous Structures

Similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor

Endangered Species

Species endangered of becoming extinct in the near future

Threatened Species

Species that could become endangered in the near future

Biodiversity

The number of different species in an area

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce then other memebers of their species

Convergent Evolution

The process by which unrelated organisms evolved characteristics that are similar

Shared Derived Characteristics

Trait such as fur; that the common ancestor of a group had and passed on to its descendants

Scientific Theory

Well supported and widely supported explanation of nature

Extinction

When all the members of a species disappear from earth