Evolution Flashcards
What is evolution?
Gradual change in a species over time
An early theorist in evolution was Lamarck, what was his theory?
He believed that a giraffe’s neck was a result of being stretched out to get to food. He provided no evidence so his theory was thrown out
Who was Charles Darwin?
Darwin traveled to the galapagos islands and observed many unique creatures. He created the theory of evolution and wrote the book “The origin of species”.
What specific animal trait did Darwin study?
Finch Beaks
What is a homologous structure?
Homologous structures are similar physical features in organisms that share a common ancestor, but the features serve completely different functions. An example of homologous structures are the limbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats.
What is another way to look at evolution?
DNA sequencing, Embryology, Radiometric dating
What process uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to determine the age og a fossil?
Radiometric dating
What is a “half-life”?
Time frame within which an object loses half the amount of an isotope.
What is a fossil?
The preserved remains of a dead organism
