Evidence for Evolution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to evidence for evolution.

Radiometric dating

A technique used to date rocks and fossils by examining the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as uranium-238 to lead-206.

Comparative morphology

The study of the similarities and differences in the form and structure of different organisms, which provides evidence for evolution.

Tetrapod

A four-limbed vertebrate, whose limb structure shows a common ancestor among various species.

Sonic Hedgehog gene (Shh gene)

A gene involved in the development of limbs; its mutations can lead to abnormal limb development.

Pharyngeal gill slits

Structures present in early embryo development of vertebrates, indicating common ancestry, which are not retained in adults.

Vestigial structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix and tailbone.

Cytochrome C oxidase

A gene responsible for producing an enzyme used in respiration, which serves as a molecular clock to show evolutionary relationships.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows relationships between different species based on shared characteristics or genes.

Artificial selection

The selective breeding process where humans choose desirable traits in plants and animals, leading to changes over generations.