Evolution Flashcards
What is the Theory of Evolution?
The theory that species change over time through natural selection.
What were Darwin’s general observations?
Variations in species enhance survival and reproduction.
What is natural selection?
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
What are adaptations?
Traits that improve an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction in its environment.
What evidence supports evolution?
Fossil records, genetic similarities, comparative anatomy, and embryology.
What is comparative anatomy?
The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species, supporting common ancestry.
What is a fossil?
The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, typically found in sedimentary rock.
What is relative dating?
A method to determine the age of fossils based on their position in rock layers.
What is the significance of transitional fossils?
Transitional fossils show intermediate forms between species, demonstrating evolutionary change.
