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evolution
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| evolution | the process of change in the traits of living organisms over generations, driven by genetic variation |
| natural selection | the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring |
| Charles Darwin | 19th-century English naturalist, geologist, and biologist |
| population | the total number of people living in a specific country, region, or the world |
| homologous | anatomical features found in different species that share a common ancestor, even though they may have different functions |
| vestigial structure | reduced or non-functional remnants of organs or body parts that had an important role in an organism's ancestors |
| divergent evolution | the process where closely related species or populations accumulate differences, leading to the formation of new species from a common ancestor |
| analogous | body parts in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently from different ancestors |
| embryology | the scientific study of the formation and development of an embryo and fetus from fertilization until birth |
| inherited | of a quality, characteristic, or predisposition) derived genetically from one's parents or ancestors. |
| acquired trait | characteristics that an organism develops during its lifetime, rather than being born with them |
| artificial selection | the process where humans intentionally choose plants and animals with desirable traits to reproduce and pass those traits to offspring |
| mutation | a change in the DNA sequence of a cell, which can occur spontaneously or be caused by environmental factors like chemicals or radiation |