unit 2 - Evidence of Evolution notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the evidence of evolution, including fossils, dating methods, biogeography, anatomical structures, embryology, and evolutionary processes.

Fossils

Remains or impressions of ancient organisms that provide evidence of evolution.

Fossil Dating

Methods used to determine the age of fossils, including relative and absolute dating.

Biogeography

The study of the geographical distribution of organisms and how it relates to evolution.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical features that share a common evolutionary origin but may have different functions.

Analogous Structures

Features that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, resulting from convergent evolution.

Vestigial Structures

Non-functional remnants from ancestors that provide insight into evolutionary history.

Comparative Embryology

The study of similarities in the embryonic development of different species, indicating common ancestry.

Convergent Evolution

The process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Absolute Dating

A method of determining the exact age of a fossil using radiometric techniques.

Relative Dating

A method that determines the relative age of fossils based on their position in rock layers.