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.)