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Terms in this set (18)

  • Darwin and Wallace's contribution to evolution

    Darwin and Wallace independently proposed the theory of natural selection as the mechanism driving evolution, building on earlier ideas about species change over time.

  • Five lines of evidence supporting evolution

    Fossil record, biogeography, convergent evolution, direct observations (natural and artificial selection), and homologies all support the theory of evolution.

  • Fossil record as evidence for evolution

    The fossil record shows changes in species over time and documents extinct organisms, supporting descent with modification.

  • Biogeography and evolution

    Biogeography studies species distribution across geographic areas, showing patterns consistent with common ancestry and evolution.

  • Convergent evolution

    Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits independently due to similar environmental pressures.

  • Direct observations of evolution

    Natural and artificial selection provide direct evidence of evolutionary change by showing how traits can change in populations over time.

  • Homologies as evidence for evolution

    Homologies are similarities in traits due to shared ancestry, such as homologous structures in different species.

  • Mechanism of natural selection

    Natural selection is the process where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more, leading to evolutionary change.

  • Descent with modification

    Descent with modification means species change over generations, passing traits to offspring with variations.

  • Homology

    Homology refers to traits inherited from a common ancestor, showing evolutionary relationships.

  • Homologous structure

    A homologous structure is an anatomical feature shared by species due to common ancestry, even if functions differ.

  • Analogous structure

    An analogous structure has similar function but evolved independently, not from a common ancestor.

  • Fossil

    A fossil is preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, providing evidence of past life.

  • Vestigial structure

    A vestigial structure is a reduced or nonfunctional trait inherited from ancestors.

  • Evolutionary tree

    An evolutionary tree diagrams relationships among species based on common ancestry.

  • Artificial selection

    Artificial selection is human-driven breeding to select for desired traits in organisms.

  • Adaptation

    An adaptation is a heritable trait that increases an organism's fitness in its environment.

  • Evolution

    Evolution is the change in heritable traits of populations over generations.