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LS LSAF Chapter 6
Adaptations over time
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| species | a group of creatures with similar characteristics that can reproduce fertile offspring |
| evolution | change in hereditary features over time |
| natural selection | organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce |
| variation | an inherited trait that makes an individual different from other members of the species |
| adaptation | any variation that makes a creature better suited to its environment |
| gradualism | model that describes the slow, continuous process by which one species changes to another |
| punctuated equilibrium | model that describes the evolution of new species through the mutation in a few, select genes over a short period of time |
| sedimentary rock | layers of sand, silt, clay or mud compact to form new rock; sometimes containing fossils |
| radioactive element | gives off a steady stream of radiation and subatomic particles; changing into a new element |
| embryology | the earliest growth stages of an organism |
| homologous | similar in origin and structure |
| vestigial | physical structures that don't seem to have a function |
| primates | mammals with opposable thumbs, binocular vision, and flexible shoulders to allow arm rotation |
| hominids | human-like primates which walked upright; having a larger brain than most other primates of their time; 4-6 million years ago |
| Australopithecus | "Lucy" fossil found in Africa in 1974. Features smaller brain, upright gait. Upheld as evidence for evolution of modern humans - 3.2 million years old |
| Homo habilis | Fossils found in Africa in 1960's. Features larger brain, erect posture, and buried with primitive tools nearby - 1.5 million years old. |
| Homo erectus | Once considered a creature adapted from Homo habilis; the historical significance of this specimen is now in question. |
| Homo sapien | Modern day humans are considered part of this genus/species. |
| neanderthals | Thought to be an off-shoot of modern day humans. Lived in family groups; had advanced tools; short heavy bodies with thick bones, small chins, and heavy browridge. Disappear from fossil record ~300,000 years ago. |
| cro-magnon | Skeletons almost identical to modern humans, but much shorter. Lived in caves, left behind stone carvings and wall paintings, and buried their dead. Disappeared ~10,000 years ago. |
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MrGross
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