Fossils & The Fossil Record
The preserved remains or traces of past life.
What is a Fossil
Similar structure, different function.
What is Homologous structures
The molecule compared between species.
What is DNA
The study of where species live and why.
What is Biogeography
What type of evidence shows that all living things share a common ancestor?
DNA
This law states that the oldest rock layers are deepest.
What is the Law of Superposition
Human arm, whale flipper, bat wing are examples of this limb type.
What is Pentadactyl limb
Fewer DNA differences mean species are ______ related.
What is More closely
Isolation on islands often leads to ______.
What is Speciation
The process by which species change over time.
What is Evolution
Fossils that show features of two different groups.
What is Transitional fossils
Structures that have no current function (e.g., appendix).
What is Vestigial structures
DNA codes for these biological molecules.
What is Proteins
Introducing non-native species can cause this.
What is Ecosystem imbalance
Different species develop similar traits due to living in similar environments.
What is Convergent evolution
Two ways scientists determine a fossil’s age.
What is Relative & absolute dating
Different structure, same function (e.g., wings of bird & insect).
What is Analogous structures
The building blocks of proteins.
What is Amino Acids
Australia’s mammals are mostly this type.
what is Marsupials
Using fossils, DNA, and anatomy together gives scientists this kind of understanding.
What is Multiple lines of evidence
The process where minerals replace tissue.
What is Permineralisation
What similar embryonic development suggests.
What is a Common ancestor
Diagram showing evolutionary relationships using DNA or protein similarities.
What is Phylogenetic tree
Term for the number of species in an area.
What is Species richness
What major mechanism explains how advantageous traits become more common in populations over generations?
What is Natural selection