Grade 12 Life Sciences - Evolution Guide

Breeding organisms over many generations to get a desired trait

Variety of living things on Earth

Changes in inherited traits over generations

Using living things to improve things

Shared ancestor of multiple descendants

Range of traits in a population

Traits with distinct categories

Still existing; surviving

Species no longer exists

Process of life changing

Preserved remains of an organism

Part of DNA that codes for a trait

Different versions of genes

Similar structures, different functions, common ancestor

Testable explanation

Trait passed from parents to offspring

The number of differing amino acids between different species' hemoglobin chains can indicate evolutionary relationships. Fewer differences suggest closer relatedness.

The degree of similarity in amino acid sequences (or other traits) between species indicates how closely related they are in evolutionary history. This can be measured by the molecular differences of a specific protein, like hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Its structure can be used to compare evolutionary relationships.

Differences in characteristics between organisms within a species or across species. These differences can be continuous or discontinuous.

Variation in a characteristic that can take on any value within a range (e.g., height, weight).

Variation in a characteristic that falls into distinct categories (e.g., blood type, flower colour).

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, creating new combinations of alleles.

The random alignment of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to different combinations of alleles in gametes.

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Separation of populations of a species by geographical barriers preventing gene flow.

Mechanisms that prevent interbreeding between populations.

The complete set of genes in a population.

The movement of Earth's continents over geologic time.

A species from which multiple species have evolved.

How a shared ancestor was spread across a certain region.

The evolutionary process where pottos and lemurs, who share a common ancestor, became separate species.

The specific facial feature that distinguishes humans from Australopithecus africanus is not provided in the content.

The most recent common ancestor to the Homo genus is not identified in the content.

Homo habilis is the earliest Homo species known to have used tools and fire.

The first Australopithecus africanus fossil was found in South Africa.

Two types of evidence supporting the 'Out of Africa' hypothesis are not specified.

Ardipithecus ramidus went extinct first based on the evolutionary timeline.

The Out of Africa hypothesis proposes that Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and migrated to other continents.

An early hominin that lived 5-4 million years ago, showing early signs of bipedalism.

A well-known hominin from 4-2.7 million years ago, showing both bipedal and tree-climbing adaptations.

A hominin from 3–2 million years ago, exhibiting bipedalism and some ape-like characteristics.

A hominin from 1.9-1.8 million years ago, showcasing a mix of primitive and more modern features.

The 'handy man' hominin, known for its slightly larger brain and possibly more advanced tool use.

A hominin that had a larger brain, longer legs, and more human-like characteristics, living from 2-0.4 million years ago.

A hominin with a relatively small brain, but modern features in hands and feet, existing 335,000–236,000 years ago.

The spinal cord's opening at the base of the skull. Its position indicates the angle of posture and movement

Referring to a facial structure where the jaw projects forward.

A measure of the volume of a hominin's brain, often used as an indication of cognitive development.

The ability to walk upright on two legs.

The species of modern humans.

Approximate time of the emergence of Homo sapiens.

A location in South Africa where hominid fossils have been found.

A researcher associated with human fossil discoveries.

The approximate brain capacity range of Homo sapiens.

A characteristic feature of Homo sapiens, lacking prominent bony ridges above the eyes.

Another distinctive feature of Homo sapiens, having smaller teeth compared to some extinct hominids.

A characteristic of Homo sapiens. Arms are not as long compared to some extinct hominids.

A trait of modern humans with a flatter face.

The upper part of the skull, containing the brain.

Characteristic of a protruding jaw.

The large opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord enters.

The ability to walk on two legs.

A feature of some primate skulls showing raised bony structures above the eyes.

A derived human trait characterized by a less projecting jawbone than in other primates.

A feature of a larger braincase.

A characteristic of Homo sapiens.

A human feature, not present in all primates.

A facial structure lacking the pronounced projection of some other primates.