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Evolution
Term | Definition |
---|---|
fossil | the trace or remains of an organism that lived long ago, most commonly preserved in sedimentary rock |
evolution | process in which organsims change gradually over thousands or millions of years |
species | group of closely related organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring |
homologous_structure | similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor |
adaptation | trait that changes over time and improves an organisim's ability to survive and reporduce |
relative_dating | method of estimating the age of fossils based on their position in layers of sedimentary rock in relation to one another |
scientific_theory | an explanation that ties together many tests and observations - scientists agree on conclusions |
variations | differences between members of the same species |
sedimentary_rock | rock that is formed from layers of sediment over time |
extinct | a species that no longer has any living members |
natural_selection | process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce |
fossil_record | a historical sequence of life indicated by fossils found in the earth's crust |
absolute_dating | method of measuring the actual age of an event or object in years |
fertile | can produce an offspring |
sterile | unable to reproduce |
branching tree | diagram that shows how scientists think different groups of organisms are related; cladogram; phylogenic tree |
Galapagos_Islands | where Darwin observed a variety of species and proposed a theory of biological evolution |
overproduction | a species creates more offspring than can survive; those who are better able to survive then pass on their genes to their offspring. |
infer | to reach a conclusion by making observations and using background knowledge |
speciation | formation of a new species due to evolution |