Chapter 13 Principles of Evolution

Question 1

Analogous Structures

Answer 1

Structures that have similar functions and superficially similar appearance but very different anatomies, such as the wings of insects and birds. The similarities are due to parallel evolution under similiar enviromental pressures rather than to common ancestry.

Question 2

Artificial Selection

Answer 2

A selective breeding procedure in which only those individuals with particular traits are chosen as breeders; used mainly to enhance desirable traits in demoestic plants and animals; may also be used in volutionary biology experiments.

Question 3

Convergent Evolution

Answer 3

The independant evolution of similar structures among distantly related organisms as a result of similar enviromental pressures; see analogous structures.

Question 4

Evolution

Answer 4

(1) The theory that all species are related by common ancestry and have changed over time; (2) any change in the proportions of different genotypes in a population from one generation the next.

Question 5

Fossil

Answer 5

The remains of a dead organism, normally preserved in rock - may be petrified bones or wood; shells; impressions of body forms, such as feathers, skin, or leaves; or markings made by organisms, such as footprints.

Question 6

Homologous Structure

Answer 6

Structures that may differ in function but that have similar anatomy, because the organisms that possess them have descended from common ancestors.

Question 7

Natural Selection

Answer 7

The prcoess in which unequal survival and reproduction of organisms, favoring individuals with particular traits, causes those traits to become increasingly common in a population.

Question 8

Population

Answer 8

All the members of a species that occupy a particular area at the same time.

Question 9

Vestigial Structure

Answer 9

A structure that has no apparent function, but is homologous to functional structures in related organisms.