Chapter 15 Vocab

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

A well supported testable explanation of phenomena that have occurred in the natural world

Question 2

Fossil

Answer 2

The preserved remains of ancient organisms

Question 3

Artificial selection

Answer 3

Humans select from among the naturally occurring genetic variations in a species

Question 4

Struggle for existence

Answer 4

Members of each species compete regularly to obtain food, living space, and other necessities

Question 5

Fitness

Answer 5

The ability of an individual to survive and reproduce in its specific environment

Question 6

Adaptation

Answer 6

Any inherited characteristic that increases an organisms chance of survival

Question 7

Survival of the fittest

Answer 7

When individuals are better suited to their environment and survive and reproduce successfully

Question 8

Natural selection

Answer 8

Only certain individuals of a population produce new individuals; also referred to as survival of the fittest

Question 9

Descendent with modification

Answer 9

Each living species has descended, with changes, from other species over time

Question 10

Common descendent

Answer 10

All species- living and extinct- were derived from common ancestors

Question 11

Homologous structure

Answer 11

Structures that have different mature forms but develop from the same embryonic tissues

Question 12

Vestigial organ

Answer 12

Organs of many animals that are reduced in size that they are just vestiges, or traces, of homologous organs in other species

Question 13

Evolution

Answer 13

Change over time; the process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms