Evolution

fossil

A trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock

adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce

scientific theory

A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations

Embryology

Study of developing embryos used as evidence of evolution.

species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Charles Darwin

Traveled to the Galapagos Islands on the HMS Beagle and later wrote the book "The Origin of Species."

Evidence of Evolution

1) Fossil Record 2) Embryology 3) Homologous Structures 4) DNA 5) Vestigial Structures

Vestigial Structures

A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose (ex. hip bones in whales)

Fossil Record

All the fossils throughout the history of the Earth that are used as evidence of evolution.

Common Ancestor

An ancestral species from which later species evolved

Alfred Russel Wallace

British naturalist who developed a hypothesis of natural selection similar to Darwin's

evolution

Change in a kind of organism over time; process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms.

variation

Difference among members of a species.

Competition

Driving force of natural selection in which organisms fight for food, water, and living space

DNA

Genetic information that can be used as evidence of evolution between organisms.

punctuated equilibrium

Pattern of evolution in which long stable periods are interrupted by brief periods of more rapid change

artificial selection

Selection by humans for breeding of useful traits from the natural variation among different organisms

natural selection

Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called survival of the fittest

Overproduction

Strategy in which organisms make more offspring than will actually survive.

homologous structures

Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

gradualism

The theory that evolution occurs slowly but steadily

Isolation

When members of a species become separated which may lead to the evolution of new species.

Barrier

something that blocks the way; an obstacle (mountains, rivers, etc.)