vocabulary
Biodiversity
The wide variety of living organisms that inhabit the planet
Fossil
the preserved remains of a once living organism; used for geological study and biological comparisons
Comparative Anatomy
The study and comparison of the structures of different biological organisms
Morphological Features
Characteristics of organisms based on physical or anatomical traits
Genetics
the study of heredity: relates to the passing of genes from parents to offspring
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid; contains hereditary information for a living organism (located within each cell of an organism)
Geologic Time
The divisions of time throughout history, separated by major events or mass extinctions
Biochemical Features
Characteristics of organisms based on DNA or genetic factors
Adaptation
Beneficial trait that allows an organism to be better suited for survival and reproduction
Gene
Segment of DNA that contributes to the expression of a trait
Classification
System of placing organisms in groups based on similarities (taxonomy)
Behavioral Features
Characteristics of organisms based on the way in which they interact with other organisms or their environments
Natural Selection
"Survival of the fittest" - states that the organisms best suited for survival are the ones that successfully reproduce pass on their beneficial characteristics
Species
Group of the same type of organisms that may breed and produce fertile offspring
Genotype
Genetic make up of a trait an organism possesses
Extinct
No longer living or in existence on the planet
Reproductive Success
Passing of genes from parent to offspring; allows beneficial traits to be passed from generation to generation
Phenotype
Physical appearance of a trait an organism possesses