| Word |
 |
|
| Definition |
|
|
| Adaptation |
a character or structure that helps an organism live and reproduce successfully in its environment |
| habitat |
The area or place where an organism naturally lives in an ecosystem |
| diversity |
the variety of life |
| species |
the basic unit of classification, the division of a genus, made of very similar organiisms that are able to mate and reproduce offspring of the same type |
| variation |
a difference within the species |
| sexual reproduction |
Reproduction through the union of a male and a female gamete, each contributing genetic material to the offspring |
| zygote |
A cell formed by the union of two sets of genes when a male and a female unite; a fertilizied egg |
| asexual reproduction |
Reproduction in which a single individual copies its genetic material |
| Evolution |
The concept originated by Charles Darwin, explaining that organisms are the products of historical change and that new species gradually developed from previous ones |
| natural selection |
The process by which organisms that are adapted to their environment survive and reproduce, passing there traits on to their offspring |
| population |
A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area |
| fossil |
Remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past |
| extinct |
Referring to forms of life that have died out |
| fossil record |
Record of life on earth provided by fossils |
| mold |
A fossil impression left in rock by the hard parts of an organism |
| cast |
A fossil formed by minerals in water that build up in a mold |
mr. charles11
