Science Ch. 6 Vocab

Question 1

A group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce offspring that can also mate and reproduce

Answer 1

Species

Question 2

The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lied in the past

Answer 2

Fossil

Question 3

An inherited behavior or physical characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment

Answer 3

Adaptation

Question 4

The process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce

Answer 4

Natural Selection

Question 5

Change overtime; the process by which modern organisms has descended from ancient organisms

Answer 5

Evoultion

Question 6

Any difference between individuals of the same species

Answer 6

Variation

Question 7

Pattern of evolution characterized by the slow and steady accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time

Answer 7

Gradualism

Question 8

Pattern of evolution in which long stable periods are interrupted by brief periods of more rapid change

Answer 8

Punctuated Equilibrium

Question 9

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results

Answer 9

Scientific Theory

Question 10

Structures that are similar in different species and that have been inherited from a common ancestor

Answer 10

Homologous Structures