Evolution Changes over Time Vocabulary

Questions and Answers

What are adaptations?

Behavior or physical characteristic that allows an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

What is evolution?

The gradual change in species over time.

What is natural selection?

A process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What does diversity refer to in biological terms?

The variety of organisms that inhabit the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Charles Darwin?

British naturalist who formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is variation?

Any difference between organisms of the same species. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction?

The disappearance of all members of a species. Signup and view all the answers

What are missing links?

Gaps in the fossil record. Signup and view all the answers

What is a homologous structure?

Similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

What are fossils?

The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past. Signup and view all the answers

What is radioactive dating?

A process where scientists look at the half-life of chemicals contained in rocks around a fossil to determine the age of that fossil. Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations?

Any change in the DNA of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Vocabulary in Evolution

Adaptations: Refers to behaviors or physical characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce within its specific environment.
Evolution: Represents the gradual transformation of species over extended periods, resulting in changes in physical and genetic traits.
Natural Selection: A critical process in evolution wherein individuals that possess traits better suited to their environment have a higher likelihood of surviving and reproducing.
Diversity: Indicates the wide variety of organisms that exist on Earth, highlighting the richness of life in different habitats.
Charles Darwin: A British naturalist renowned for formulating the theory of evolution through the mechanism of natural selection, significantly influencing biological sciences.
Variation: Captures any differences observed among organisms belonging to the same species, which can be crucial for natural selection.
Extinction: Describes the complete disappearance of all members of a particular species from the Earth, representing an end point in the evolutionary process.
Missing Links: Refers to gaps in the fossil record where transitional forms that could illustrate the evolution between different species have not been found.
Homologous Structures: Denotes anatomical features that are similar across different species, inherited from a common ancestor. Examples include the bones in a bird's wing, a dolphin's fin, and a dog's leg.
Fossils: The preserved remnants or impressions of organisms that existed in the past, serving as crucial evidence for understanding evolutionary history.
Radioactive Dating: A scientific technique used to determine the age of fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes found in surrounding rocks, providing insights into the timing of evolutionary events.
Mutations: Any alteration in an organism's DNA, which can create new traits and contribute to genetic diversity essential for natural selection and adaptation.

Description

Test your knowledge of key vocabulary related to the concepts of evolution. This quiz covers important terms such as adaptations, evolution, and natural selection, essential for understanding how species change over time. Perfect for students studying biology or ecology.