Evolution Evidence Overview

Evolution

Change in characteristics of living things over generations

Biogeography

Study of past and present distribution of living organisms

Comparative Anatomy

Study of features in different species for common ancestry evidence

Homologous structures

Organism parts showing evidence of a common ancestor

Vestigial structure

Organism part that lost original function

Bonobo

Great ape related to humans, found in the Congo

DNA

Molecule containing genetic instructions in living organisms

Human Genome Project

Effort to map the DNA of humans from 1990 to 2003

Fossil

Geologically altered remains of a once-living organism

Fossil record

Record of fossils found on Earth

Paleontologist

Scientist studying fossils

Relative dating

Approximate age by comparing to other fossils or studying surrounding stone layers

Absolute dating

Determining age by studying radioactive minerals in rock and calculating decay

Half-life

Time taken for half of radioactive atoms to decay

Carbon-14

Radioactive element used to date fossils based on its half-life

Fossilization process

The formation of fossils through gradual replacement of organic material with minerals

Transitional fossils

Fossils showing intermediate characteristics between different species, supporting evolution

Adaptation

A change in species structure or function over time for better environmental fit.

Gene

Unit of heredity passed from parents to offspring, made of DNA.

Genetic variation

Differences in genes within individuals of a population.

Natural selection

Process favoring traits beneficial for survival in an environment.

Population

Group of same species interbreeding in a specific area.

Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, and soil quality.

Population density

Measure of individuals in an area, crucial for survival.

Habitat destruction

Human activities like deforestation that harm plant and animal survival.

Conservation management

Efforts to protect species and habitats from extinction.

Extinction

Complete disappearance of a species from Earth.

Megafauna

Large animals like the Siberian unicorn that roamed in the past.

Poachers

Illegal hunters who target animals for profit, like rhino tusks.

Endangered species

Species at risk of extinction due to various threats.

Black rhino

Once widespread in Africa, faced severe population decline due to poaching.

Critically endangered

Species most at risk of extinction in the wild.

Human population growth

Speed of human population increase affecting species adaptation.

World Wildlife Fund

Organization working to protect endangered species and habitats.