Who is Charles Darwin?

Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution.

What is an adaptation?

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

What are homologous structures?

Similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor.

What is a petrified fossil?

A fossil that is formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism, turning it into rock.

What is evolution?

Change over time.

What is natural selection?

The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species.

What is the HMS Beagle?

Darwin's famous 5-year expedition was onboard this ship.

What is a new species?

Can form when a group of individuals remains isolated from the rest of its species long enough to evolve different traits.

What is a cast?

A type of fossil that forms when an empty cavity becomes filled in with minerals that harden.

What is a mold?

A type of fossil formed when a shell or other hard part of an organism dissolves, leaving an emtpy space or cavity in the shape of the part.

What are variations?

Differences between individuals of the same species.

What are the Galapagos Islands?

Darwin compared the organisms on the mainland of South America to those found on this island chain.

What is "survival of the fittest"?

Natural selection is often called this.

What is the Mesozoic Era?

Also known as the Age of Reptiles?

What is the Cenozoic Era?

Also known as the Age of Mammals.

What is a scientific theory?

A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.

What is a branching tree?

A diagram that shows how scientists think different groups of organisms are related.

What is beak structure (size and shape)?

Major difference that Darwin noticed among the Galapagos finches.

What is a half-life?

The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of radioactive element to decay.

What is gradualism?

Theory that proposes that evolution occurs slowly but steadily.

What are overproduction, competition, and inherited variations?

The three major factors that cause natural selection.

What are mutations and the shuffling of alleles during meiosis.

Two factors that produce variations in a species.

What are fossils, patterns of early development, similar body structures, and DNA?

Four types of evidence that support the theory of evolution.

What is radioactive dating?

A technique that scientists use to determine the actual age of fossils.

What is a trace fossil?

A fossil type that provides evidence of an organism's activity.