Darwin - Biology

Embryo Similar

The early stages of development in different species, where embryos appear similar, suggesting that the species share a common ancestor.

Similar DNA/RNA

the genetic material that is closely related between different species, indication they share a common ancestry and have evolved from a similar genetic source.

Homologous Structures

A body part that is similar in structure in different species but many have different functions, showing they share a common ancestor.

Analogous Structures

Body parts in different species that have similar functions but different structures and origins, showing they did not come from a common ancestor.

Vestigial Structures

A body part that has lost its original function through evolution, like the human appendix of the remnants of a tailbone.

Fossils

The preserved remains of traces of an ancient organism, usually found in rock.

Biogeography

The study of where living things are found on Earth and how they get there.

Evolving Population

A group of organisms of the same species whose genetic makeup changes over generations due to factors like natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.

Species Vary Globally

Different but similar habitats around the world.

Species Vary Locally

Related species live in different habitats in the same area.

Species Vary Over Time

Fossils show that ancient species are similar to living ones but not the same.

Hutton/Lyell

Two geologists suggest that Earth is very old and changes slowly over time, allowing enough time for evolution to happen.

Lamarck

A scientist who proposed that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring, like a giraffe stretching its neck to reach food and passing on a longer neck.

Wallace

A naturalist who independently proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, alongside Darwin. His work helped support the idea that species evolve due to environmental pressures.

Malthus

An economist who observed that populations grow faster than resources, leading to competition. This idea helped shape the concept of natural selection in biology.

Evolution

The process by which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection.

Artificial Selection

When humans breed plants or animals for specific traits, like size, color, or behavior.

Adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Fitness

An organism’s ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on it’s genes to the next generation.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more, passing those traits to future generations.