Term | Definition |
species | group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can reproduce among themselves |
evolution | change in inherited characteristics over time |
natural selection | a process by which organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce |
variation | inherited trait that makes an individual different from other members of the same species |
adaptation | any variation that makes an organism better suited to its environment |
gradualism | model describing evolution as a slow process by which one species changes into a new species through a series of mutations |
punctuated equilibrium | model describing the rapid evolution that occurs when mutation of a few genes results in a species suddenly changing into a new species |
camouflage | adaptation in which coloring of organism blends into its environment |
survival of the fittest | organisms with the best traits survive and reproduce |
Lamark's theory of evolution | traits acquired during a parent's lifetime are passed on to offspring |
Darwin's theory of evolution | mutations occur with offspring and if they are advantageous the organism survives and reproduces, over time a new species can evolve |
sedimentary rock | a type of rock in which fossils are found, forms from mud, sand and silt |
radiometric dating | calculating the age of a rock layer using radioactive elements |
embryology | study of embryos and their development |
homologous | body parts that are similar in structure and origin and can be similar in function |
vestigial structures | structure that doesn't seem to have a function and may once have functioned in the ancestor |
relative dating | older rocks lie below younger rocks |
fossils | remains of an organism, could be bone, footprints, or cast of body |
primate | group of mammals including humans, monkeys, and apes that share characteristics such as opposable thumbs and flexible shoulders |
hominid | humanlike primate that appeared about 4 million to 6 million years ago |
Homo sapiens | early humans that likely evolved from Cro-Magnons |
wise human | meaning of Homo sapien |
DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid, molecule that contains instructions for making an organism |
opposable thumb | thumb can touch fingers on same hand, adaptation for grasping and climbing |
"Lucy" | name given to female Australopithecus skeleton found in Africa |
Cro-Magnon | hominid that was very human like, most likely ancestor to Homo sapien |