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Science vocab.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Natural Selection | The process by which individuals are better adapted to their environment and are more likly to survive and reproduce. |
Variation | Any difference between individuals of the same species. |
Half-Life | The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay. |
Scientific Theory | A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observation. |
Puncthated equilioria | The theory that species evolve quickly during short bursts of time. |
Fossil record | Documentation of the millions of fossils scientists have collected over time. |
Radioactive elements | Unstable elements that decay or break down into different elements. |
Homologous Structures | Similar structures that related species have inherited from common ancestors. |
Mold | A hollow space left where the fossil has decayed or dissolved. |
Relative dating | A process comparing the age of two fossils by their placement in teh layers of sedimentery rock layers. |
Evolution | Gradual changes in a species over time. |
Petrified fossils | Fossils that are buried in sediments and acually changed to rock. |
Adaption | A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce. |
Gradulism | The theory that evolution occurs slowly but steadly. |
Branching Tree | A diagram that shows how scientists think diffenrent groups of organisms are related. |
Radioactive dating | A process that tests the radioactive materials within a fossil to tell its acual age (also known as absolute dating). |
Fossil | Preserved remains of an organism that lived in the past. |
Extinction | When no member of the species is still alive. |
Cast | A copy of the shape of the organism its made from. |
Competetion | This is a factor in Natural Selection as organisms attempt to survive using the same limited resources (food, shelter, mates...). |
Homologous Sturctures | evidence that related species had a common ancestor because Of the way their bodies are anatomically constructed in similar ways. (dolphin flipper, bird wing, dog leg) |
OverProduction | This factor in Natural Selection happens when there are more offspringthat can possibly survive on the given resources. |
Species | A group of organisms that can mate together and produce fertile offspring. |