Fossil Facts
What is a fossil?
The preserved remains or traces of an organism from the past.
What is comparative anatomy?
The study of similarities and differences in the body structures of different organisms.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin
What is an adaptation?
A trait that increases an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction.
Which type of evidence includes DNA comparisons?
Molecular evidence.
What do fossils tell us about evolution?
They show how organisms have changed over time.
What are homologous structures?
Body parts that are similar in structure but may have different functions.
What is natural selection?
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
How do camouflage and mimicry help organisms survive?
They help avoid predators.
What type of trait improves an organism's reproductive success?
An adaptive trait.
What type of rock are fossils most commonly found in?
Sedimentary rock.
What do similar bone structures suggest about two organisms?
They share a common ancestor.
What is variation in a population?
Differences in traits among individuals.
What does "survival of the fittest" mean?
The best-adapted organisms are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Which structure is useless in humans but useful in other animals (e.g., appendix)?
Vestigial structure.
What is the law of superposition?
In undisturbed layers, older fossils are found deeper.
What are vestigial structures?
Structures that have lost most or all of their original function.
What causes variation?
Genetic mutations and sexual reproduction.
Can traits be passed to offspring?
Yes, inherited traits are passed through genes.
True or False: Natural selection happens overnight.
True or False: Natural selection happens overnight.
How can scientists tell the age of a fossil?
By using relative dating or radiometric dating.
Give an example of homologous structures.
Human arm and bat wing.
What must happen for natural selection to occur?
Variation, competition, reproduction, and heritability.
Why might a population of moths change color over time?
Environmental changes may favor one color for camouflage.
What type of diagram shows evolutionary relationships?
A cladogram or phylogenetic tree.