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Evolution
8.L.4
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Geologic Evolution | Changes in the Earth over time. |
biological evolution | the change in living things over time |
Taxonomy | The science of classifying organisms |
Theory of Evolution | evolutionary change comes through variation and adaptation in generations |
natural selection | organisms better fit for their environment will survive, reproduce and pass on their genetics to the next generation. |
Adaptation | inherited characteristic that increases an organism's chance of survival |
genetic variation | Heritable variations in DNA in a population. |
Mutation | a random error in gene replication that leads to a change |
homologous structures | similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor |
analogous structures | Body parts that share a common function, but not structure |
vestigial structures | A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose |
Genes | the genetic makeup of an organism; DNA/RNA |
diversity | variety |
Phenotype | An organism's physical appearance, or visible traits. |
Fitness | Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment |
ancestor | A relative who lived in the past |
Plate Tectonic Theory | Earth's crust is broken into plates that are moved by convection in the mantle |
continental drift | continents slowly moved over Earth's surface |