Natural Selection
This term means some organisms survive and reproduce better than others because of helpful traits.
Natural Selection
This is when unrelated species develop similar traits because they live in similar environments.
convergent evolution
This scientific field studies fossils to trace evolutionary changes.
paleontology
This molecule is most often compared to determine genetic similarity.
DNA
This diagram shows evolutionary relationships based on shared traits.
phylogenetic tree
This is the variable you change in an experiment.
independent variable
If a cell has 8 chromosomes and undergoes mitosis, it will produce cells with how many chromosomes?
8
A trait that helps an organism survive in its environment is called this.
Adaptation
This occurs when one species evolves into many new ones.
divergent evolution
Structures that serve the same function but have different internal anatomy.
analogous structures
These building blocks of proteins are used to compare relatedness between species.
amino acids
The two parts of a scientific name in binomial nomenclature.
genus and species
This is what you measure in an experiment.
dependent variable
If a cell has 8 chromosomes and undergoes meiosis, the daughter cells will have how many chromosomes?
4
This is the main source of genetic diversity.
Mutations
This type of evolution happens in quick bursts with long stable periods in between.
punctuated equilibrium
Structures that share similar internal features due to common ancestry.
homologous structures
These molecules are not typically studied to determine evolutionary relatedness.
DNA
Lipids
Proteins
Lipids
The correct order of classification from broadest to most specific.
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
This group does not receive the experimental treatment.
control group
The first living things on Earth were this type of organism.
prokaryotes (bacteria)
What is being able to survive and reproduce successfully called?
“Survival of the fittest”
This process leads to the formation of a new species.
speciation
These body parts once had a function but no longer do, like human appendix or ostrich wings.
vestigial structures
This type of genetic evidence supports the idea that humans and chimpanzees share a recent common ancestor.
similarities in DNA sequences
On a phylogenetic tree, the point where a single lineage splits into two is called this.
a node
In the fertilizer experiment, the amount of soil and water used is an example of these.
constants
This macromolecule is digested first when available for energy.
carbohydrates
Over generations, traits that help with survival become more common. This happens at the level of the ...
population
When two species evolve in response to each other, it's called this.
coevolution
These early-stage similarities in development suggest a shared ancestor.
embryology
In a DNA comparison, how do you know if two species have a closer evolutionary relationship?
fewer differences between sequences mean this
Organisms that share more branches in common on a phylogenetic tree are considered to have this kind of evolutionary relationship.
closer (or more recent) common ancestry
This process turns DNA into mRNA.
transcription
Photosynthesis produces these two products.
oxygen and glucose