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Evolution & Genetics
8.L.4.1.1 & 8.L.4.1.2
Question | Answer |
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Natural Selection | A process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive & reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits. |
Evolution | Change in a kind of organism over time; process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms. (change over time) |
Charles Darwin | British natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection, "Father of Evolution" |
Mutation | A change in the sequence of a gene or DNA molecule |
Heredity | The biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next |
Homologous structure | Structure - SIMILAR Function - DIFFERENT Both have a common ancestor (Ex. human leg and a horse leg) |
Analogous structure | Structure - DIFFERENT Function - SIMILAR does not have a common ancestor (Ex: butterfly's wing and bat's wing) |
Vestigial structure | A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose |
Survival of the Fittest | Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called natural selection |
Adaptation | A characteristic that IMPROVES an individual's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. |
Diversity | Many different types of organisms in an ecosystem |
Selective breeding | The breeding of organisms for desired characteristics |
Theory of Evolution | 1. Species change over time in response to changes in their environment 2. All life is related and has descended from a common ancestor 3. Overtime beneficial mutations accumulate and the result is a different organism 4. Beneficial mutations are passed on to the next generation. |
Comparative anatomy | The study of similarities and differences among structures of living species. |
Embryology | The branch of biology & medicine concerned with the study of embryos and their development. |
Genetic variation | The variety of different types of genes in a species or population. |
Genetics | The study of gene structure and function. |
Gene | A part of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait |
Offspring | A new organism produced by one or more parents |
Common ancestor | The most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved |
Genetic diversity | The variety of genes within a given species |
Mimicry | Ability of an animal to look like another more harmful animal; defense against predators |
Camouflage | Any color, pattern, shape, or behavior that enables an animal to blend in with its surroundings; defense against predators |
Structural adaptation | An inherited physical characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment. |
Functional adaptation | An adaptation that involves internal body systems that affect the biochemistry |
Behavioral adaptation | An inherited behavior that helps an organism survive |