Page 1 - Basic Review

Question 1

What is evolution?

Answer 1

The change in organisms over time / something that upsets a population’s genetic equilibrium

Question 2

What are fossils?

Answer 2

Preserved remains of ancient organisms

Question 3

2 methods of dating fossils? Which is more accurate?

Answer 3

Relative dating (more accurate)
Absolute dating

Question 4

Describe relative dating

Answer 4

Determines age of fossil by looking at layers in sedimentary rock (less accurate because scientists dont know the time frame in between each layer)

Question 5

Describe absolute dating

Answer 5

Radioactive dating; determines the length of time it took the atoms in a fossil to decay

Question 6

Various types of fossils? Which is most common?

Answer 6

Sedimentary, trace, molds, casts, petrified, carbon films (sedimentary most common)

Question 7

Where would you find the oldest fossils vs youngest in sedimentary rock?

Answer 7

Oldest - bottom layer
Youngest - top layer

Question 8

What are geologists? Palaeontologists?

Answer 8

Geologists: study the earth and rocks
Palaeontologists: study fossils

Question 9

Whats the difference between a cast and a mold?

Answer 9

Mold: forms when hard parts of an organism are buried in sediment where the hard parts completely dissolve over time, leaving behind a hollow area with the shape of the thing
Cast: forms when water, minerals and sediment fill a MOLD and the minerals and sediment are left behind

Question 10

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures? Exampels of each

Answer 10

Homologous: structures that look similar, but have different functions [ex flipper; arms; wings]

Analogous: structures that LOOK different, but their function is the same [ex insect wing; bird wing]