Geology And Evolution Flashcards
What are adaptations? Give two examples
A beneficial trait that helps an organism survive in it’s environment (ex. Mimicry, camouflage)
What does Theory of Evolution state?
Animals change in generations by adapting to their environment
What are the 3 types of rock?
Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary (fossils form in sedimentary rocks)
What is natural selection?
Animals develop traits over time in order for the species to survive
What is a fossil? How are fossils preserved over time?
When an animal dies, the remains are covered by sediment →hardens into fossil thru pressure (preserves the hard bones and shells)
Radioactive dating
The process of measuring the known rate of decay of radioactive materials in rocks
What evidence is used to support the Theory of Evolution?
Natural selection and the survival of the fittest
What are homologous structures?
Similar body structures or systems with the same evolutionary origin
Absolute age of rocks
The number of years since the rock has formed
What is an isotope?
An atom that has a different number if neutrons than stable atoms of the same element
What is the Law of Superposition?
In horizontal layers of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top
Radioactive decay
The process in which a radioactive isotope tends to break down into stable atoms of the same element or another element
What are vestigial structures?
Structures that have no apparent function. Provides proof of loss of function thorough evolution
What is the difference between parent and daughter isotope?
Parent is the original radioactive element; daughter is after the decay (stable element)
What is half-life?
The time needed for half of a sample of radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay
