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What is the process by which organisms change over time through natural selection according to Darwin's theory?

Evolution.

What do fossils provide evidence of?

A physical record of organisms that once lived on Earth.

What are the four steps in the formation of fossils?

1. Organism dies, 2. Buried in sediment, 3. Pressure builds, 4. Exposed to surface.

What type of organism has no nucleus and is categorized as a single-celled organism?

Prokaryote.

What is a vestigial structure?

Body parts that have no current function but did in the past for ancestors.

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Homologous structures have the same basic structure and origin but different functions; analogous structures have different structures but similar functions.

What does comparative anatomy study?

It examines structures of different species to understand evolutionary relationships.

What is biogeography?

The study of the geographic distribution of living organisms.

What are adaptations?

Traits that help organisms survive and reproduce in their environment.

What theory did Wallace propose that coincides with Darwin's ideas?

Theory of evolution by natural selection.

What is Charles Darwin known for?

His theory of evolution through natural selection.

What does the term 'natural selection' refer to?

The process in which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

What was significant about the fossils Darwin found?

They showed similarities to current living species, indicating change over time.

What is the age of Earth commonly accepted to be?

Approximately 4.5 billion years.

What does comparative embryology study?

It examines the similarities and differences in embryonic development of different species.

What does molecular biology compare?

The DNA and genetic matters among different organisms to determine their relationships.

What is meant by 'survival of the fittest'?

The idea that only organisms best suited for their environment will survive and reproduce.

What major event is associated with the extinction of dinosaurs?

An asteroid impact.

What is the significance of the Cambrian explosion?

A period when most major animal phyla appeared, leading to diverse life forms.

What is the importance of studying evolutionary biology?

It helps understand the connections between organisms and their historical changes.