Evolution
This is an evolutionary modification that improves an organism's chances of survival and reproductive success.
What is an adaptation?
This type of reasoning begins with specific observations and draws general conclusions.
What is inductive reasoning?
These are the preserved remains of once-living organisms that provide a record of evolutionary change.
What are fossils?
This scientist was the first to propose that organisms undergo change over time as a result of some natural phenomenon rather than divine intervention.
Who is Lamarack?
This is a testable explanation for observations or phenomena. If evidence is not found to support it, it is rejected.
What is a hypothesis?
This is the study of the geographic distribution of organisms.
What is biogeography?
This occurs because individuals with traits that make them better adapted to local conditions are more likely to survive and produce offspring.
What is natural selection?
This type of reasoning proceeds from general principles to specific conclusions.
What is deductive reasoning?
This transitional fossil provides evidence for the evolution of birds from dinosaurs.
What is Archaeopteryx?
This scientist studied finches and their adaptations during his five-year voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle.
Who is Darwin?
A well-designed experiment typically includes these two groups to study the effects of a single variable.
What are a control group and an experimental group?
These structures, like the human appendix and whale pelvic bones, are remnants of features that served a function in an organism's ancestors but are no longer useful.
What are vestigial structures/features?
This type of evolution occurs when distantly related organisms evolve similar structures due to similar selective pressures.
What is convergent evolution?
This is a body of interconnected concepts supported by scientific reasoning and experimental evidence that explains the facts in some areas of study.
What is a theory?
This example of artificial selection shows how humans can dramatically alter the traits of organisms over time.
What is artificial selection?