Lines of Evidence for Evolution

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of evolution, the five main lines of evidence, and key related terms.

Evolution

Refers to changes in populations over generations.

Fossil Evidence

A line of evidence that provides information about organisms that lived in the past and helps scientists trace changes in organisms through geological time.

Biogeographical Evidence

One of the five lines of evidence for evolution, based on examining where organisms are found.

Comparative Morphology

One of the five lines of evidence for evolution, based on examining how organisms are structurally related.

Comparative Embryology

One of the five lines of evidence for evolution, based on examining how organisms develop.

Molecular or Genetic Evidence

One of the five lines of evidence for evolution, based on examining how similar organisms' DNA and proteins are.

Transitional Fossils

Fossils that show intermediate features between older and newer groups of organisms, linking them and showing change over time.