unit 7 set 1

Key vocabulary and concepts related to evolution, natural selection, and supporting evidence.

Natural Selection

A mechanism for evolution where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Descent with Modification

The concept that species evolve from common ancestors, accumulating differences over time.

Fossils

Remains or traces of past organisms found in strata (rock layers), providing evidence of changing life forms.

Charles Lyell

Geologist who developed the idea that geologic processes are uniform over long periods, suggesting Earth is very old, thus providing enough time for evolution.

Use and Disuse

Lamarck's principle that body parts used extensively become larger and stronger, while those not used deteriorate.

Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

Lamarck's idea that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed to the next generation.

Adaptations

Heritable characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments.

Differential Reproductive Success

Individuals with inherited traits better suited to the local environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Fitness

A reference to the reproductive success of an individual in a population.

Artificial Selection

The process by which species are modified by humans through selective breeding.

Homology

Similarity in characteristics resulting from common ancestry.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical signs of evolution, such as forelimbs of mammals used for different purposes but present in a common ancestor.

Vestigial Organs

Structures of marginal importance to an organism that are remnants of structures that served important functions in the organism's ancestors.

Molecular Homologies

Shared characteristics on the molecular level, such as the use of the same genetic language of DNA and RNA by all life forms.

Convergent Evolution

The independent evolution of similar features in different lineages.

Analogous Structures

Similar solutions to similar problems but do not indicate close relatedness

Paleontology

The study of fossils.

Biogeography

The geographic distribution of species.

Endemic Species

Species found at a certain geographic location and nowhere else.