This is the study of fossils that provides evidence of the historical changes in species over time.
Paleontology
This process, described by Charles Darwin, explains how certain traits become more common in a population due to survival and reproduction advantages.
Natural selection
This term refers to the physical expression of genetic traits in an organism, often observable in characteristics like eye colour or height.
Phenotype
This type of chemical reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single product.
Synthesis reaction
This law states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Newton's First Law of Motion
This type of anatomical structure, such as the forelimbs of humans and whales, shows similarities due to common ancestry despite differing functions.
Homologous structures
This term describes the variations within a species that can lead to different survival rates among individuals.
Genetic variation
This molecule carries the genetic instructions used in the growth and functioning of living organisms.
DNA
This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only transformed.
Law of Conservation of Mass
This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Newton's Second Law of Motion
The study of these preserved remains can provide insight into the evolutionary history of species.
Fossils
This is the term for a trait that enhances an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
Adaptive trait
This term refers to the alternative forms of a gene that can exist for a particular trait.
Alleles
This type of reaction involves the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, often requiring energy input.
Decomposition reaction
This principle explains the reaction force experienced when a person jumps off a diving board, propelling themselves into the air.
Newton's Third Law of Motion
This theory, supported by genetic evidence, explains how organisms can change over generations due to mutations and adaptations.
Evolution
This phenomenon occurs when environmental pressures lead to the rapid evolution of a species, often in response to a change in habitat.
Adaptive radiation
This process involves the transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA, leading to protein synthesis.
Transcription
In this type of chemical reaction, one element replaces another in a compound.
Single displacement reaction
This term refers to the tendency of objects to resist changes in their state of motion, related to mass.
Inertia
This term refers to the geographic distribution of species and how it supports the concept of common descent.
Biogeography
This process can lead to the development of new species when populations become isolated and evolve independently.
Speciation
This type of inheritance pattern results in a blended phenotype, such as pink flowers from red and white parents.
Incomplete dominance
This reaction occurs when an acid and a base combine to produce water and a salt.
Neutralisation reaction
This force opposes the motion of objects and is essential for understanding how objects accelerate or decelerate.
Friction