Evolution

Evolution

Change in species over time.

Natural Selection

Process where organisms with traits best suited to the environment survive and reproduce more.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals in a population.

Adaptation

Trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

Mutation

Random change in DNA that can create new traits.

Homologous Structures

Body parts with similar structure but different functions (e.g., human arm and bat wing).

Analogous Structures

Body parts with similar functions but different structures, no common ancestor (e.g., wings of birds and insects).

Vestigial Structures

Structures with no current use but inherited from ancestors (e.g., appendix).

Speciation

Formation of a new species, often due to isolation.

Overproduction

Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.

Competition

Organisms compete for limited resources.

Environmental Change

Changes that affect which traits are helpful or harmful.

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria evolve to survive antibiotics (example of natural selection).

Artificial Selection

Humans breed organisms for desired traits.

Extinction

When a species no longer exists.