evolution and adaptation -(module 4) Flashcards
what is evolution?
a theory that describes they way in which an organism changes or evolves over millions of years
what is evidence for evolution based on?
palaeontology, comparative anatomy and comparative biochemistry
what is a fossil record able to tell you?
by looking at the fossil in the layer of rock it can tell you the age of the fossil
what is found in older rocks?
bacteria and simple life forms
what is found in younger rocks?
more complex organisms such as vertebrates
what do similarities in the anatomy of closely related fossils show?
that they have evolved from a common ancestor
what else does palaeontology show?
relationships between living and extinct organisms to be investigated
what is comparative anatomy?
the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different living species
what are homologous structures?
a structure that appears superficially different in different organisms and may perform a different function
what is comparative biochemistry?
the study of similarities and differences in proteins and other chemicals that control processes in the body
what is interspecific variation
differences between members of different species
what is intraspecific variation
differences between organisms of the same species
what causes variation
crossover, mutation, meiosis and independent segregation
what are adaptations?
charchetristics that increases an organisms chances of survival and reproduction in a certain environment
what are behavioural adaptations?
inherited or learnt from the parent
