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Evolution Vocabulary
Evolution Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| adaptations | structures, functions, or behaviors that allow a species to survive |
| evolution | change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations |
| extinction | death of all living members of a species |
| fossil | a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust |
| genetic variation | difference in DNA sequences between individuals in a population |
| mutation | permanent change to a DNA sequence |
| natural selection | the survival and reproduction of the individuals in a population that exhibit the traits that best enable them to survive in their environment |
| species | a group of organisms that share a genetic heritage, are able to interbreed, and to create offspring that are also fertile |