Biology 8.1A Quiz

evolution

change in a species over time; process of biological change by which descendents come to differ from their ancestors

homologous structure

body part that is similar in structure on different organisms but performs different functions

analogous structure

body part that is similar in function as a body part of another organism but is structurally different

vestigal structure

remnants of an organ or structure that functioned in an earlier ancestor

uniformitarianism

theory that states that the geologic processes that shape Earth are generally stable and constant over time

Fossil Evidence

Remains of once living organisms show change over time

molecular evidence

evidence in DNA that shows evolution has occurred. Like the similarity in DNA between Chimpanzees and humans.

Homeobox (Hox) genes

An evolutionary ancient family of regulatory genes. Hox genes direct the segmentation and patterning of the overall body plan during embryonic development.

Archaeopteryx

An intermediate fossil that shows both reptile and bird characteristics.

Embryology Evidence

similar patterns of embryological development provide further evidence that organisms have descended from a common ancestor

transitional species

Fossils or organisms that show the intermediate states between an ancestral form and that of its descendants