Science chapter 7

What is comparative anatomy and how do scientists use it to study evolution?

A comparative anatomy is a comparison of structures of different organisms. Scientists use this to study evolution by looking how different organisms have similar body structures and infer evolutionary relationships.

What is a fossil?

A fossil is preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past.

What is a paleontologist?

A paleontologist is a scientist that studies fossils.

What is a specie?

A specie is a group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce fertile offspring.

What is adaptation?

An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

How did Darwin explain why Galápagos species had different adaptations than similar South American species?

Darwin explained that Galapagos species had different adaptations than similar South American species because they faced different environmental factors and gradually changed over generations to be better adapted to the environment. Ex. Iguanas have claws that enable them to cling to trees to eat leaves.

What is evolution?

Evolution is a gradual change in a species over time.

List four types of evidence that support evolution.

Four types of evidence that support evolution are molecular structure, fossils, similarities in early development, and similarities in body structure.

How do genetic variation and environmental factors work together to cause natural selection?

Genetic variation and environmental factors work together to cause natural selection because natural selection is caused so that an organism can adapt and better survive in their environment.

What is mold?

Mold is a hollow area in sediment in the shape of an organism or part of an organism.

What is natural selection?

Natural selection is individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species.

What are sediments? How are they involved n the formation of fossils?

Sediments are particles of soil and rock. They are involved in the formation of fossils because organisms that die are buried in sediments and become fossils.

What are the four kingdoms?

The four kingdoms are protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

What are the three domains?

The three domains are bacteria, archaea, and eukarya.

List three general kinds of observations that Darwin made during his voyage.

Three general kinds of observations that Darwin made during his voyage was diversity of living things, fossils, and characteristics of organisms on Galápagos Islands.

What is variation?

Variation is the difference between individuals of the same species.