AP Bio unit 7.6-7.7 - Evidence of Evolution and Common Ancestry

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to evolution and common ancestry.

Fossil Record

Gives a visual of evolutionary change over time through remains or traces of past organisms.

Comparative Morphology

Analysis of the structures of living and extinct organisms to identify similarities and differences.

Homology

Characteristics in related species with similarities despite differing functions.

Vestigial Structures

Structures that are conserved in species even though they no longer serve a useful function, like the human tailbone and appendix.

Molecular Homology

Similarity of DNA and amino acid sequences across different species, indicating common ancestry.

Convergent Evolution

Similar adaptations evolved in distantly related organisms due to similar environmental pressures.

Analogous Structures

Structures that are similar in function but have different evolutionary origins, like the wings of birds, bats, and bees.

Biogeography

The geographical distribution of animals and plants, providing evidence for evolution.

Natural Selection

The process by which structures can become vestigial if they were once useful but have mutated to become unnecessary.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have membrane-bound organelles and linear chromosomes, supporting common ancestry.