Need to improve - Vosough Flashcards
What is the definition of a fossil?
naturally preserved evidence of life
What are ALL the observations paleontologists will use to identify a fossil in order?
Pay careful attention to body structures, especially how bones are grouped together
a. Observe the size (thickness and length) of bones within body structures
b. Observe the position of body structures
c. Observe the same fossil evidence several times to see what you’ve missed
Count the number of bones
Use observations of fossil evidence to make careful comparisons to other fossils and living species
What is the definition of extinct?
having died out completely and no longer alive anywhere on Earth
What is the definition of a paleontologist?
a scientist who studies fossils in order to understand the history of life on life on Earth
What is a generation?
a group of individuals born and living at about the same time
What are body structures determined by?
A code of DNA passed down from generation to generation.
What is the definition of a shared structure?
a body structure in two or more species that features the same parts (for example, the same bones)
What two main types of evidence do Paleontologists use to determine common ancestors?
Fossils and dna
What’s the difference between a species and a population?
Species are in one or more different populations
What is the definition of an organism?
living things such as plants, animals, and bacteria
What are two things that all organisms would share (have in common) if they are related to each other?
Cell structure, dna
