Origin of Species

Description:	Evolution and Classification
Category:	Biology
Created by:	hfbiology on 2009-10-23

Question	Answer
Any trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce under specific environmental conditions.	adaptive value
The process by which species have changed over time.	evolution
The disappearance of all members of a species on Earth.	extinction
The collection of fossils used to provide clues to Earth's history.	fossil record
the normal difference found among offspring OR organisms of the same species.	genetic variation
The billions of years of Earth's history as revealed by layers of rock.	geologic time
Any alteration in the genetic material of an organism (DNA)	mutation
The process through which organisms best adapted to their environment survive to reproduce and pass on their traits more so than other organism not well adapted to their environment.	natural selection
Producing more offspring than can possibly survive or be supported by the environment. This ensures that at least some survive to maturity and reproduce.	overproduction
A concept or idea that has been tested and confirmed in many different ways over a long period of time. Can be used to make accurate predictions.	theory
A special scientific diagram that shows the anestral relationships of organisms.	cladogram
The variety of living organism in an ecosystem	Biodiversity
to group things based on their similarities	classify
The struggle between organisms for the same limited resources in a particular area. A force of evolution	competition
the preserved remains of ancient organisms	fossil
a group of organisms that share specific characteristics and can mate with each other to produce a fertile offspring.	species
a characteristic that is passed from parent(s) to offspring through the genes.	trait
studying and comparing embryos for similarities and differences to predict common ancestry	Comparative Embryology
studying and comparing the anatomy of living things and fossils for similarities and common ancestors	Comparative Anatomy
the studying of DNA and biochemical processes in living things for similarities and differences.	Comparative Biochemistry
the comparison and analysis of cells between living organisms.	Comparative Cytology
The system of using two names to classify organisms in taxonomy.	Binomial Nomenclature
Organisms are unable to reproduce when mated together. Example: dog and cat	Reproductive Isolation
Organisms that are separated by land or sea formations. Can lead to reproductive isolation.	Geographic Isolation