Vocab
What is the definition of evolution?
the model that states that simpler organisms have slowly changed into new and more complex organisms over millions of years
What is the definition of modern synthesis?
mutations that introduce helpful traits will be passed down as a result of natural selection
What are the three main points of Darwinism?
-In every species more young
are born than can survive.
-The individuals in a species
compete for the things
needed to survive, such
as food, shelter, and mates
-Some individuals have traits that make them better able to compete
for those things than others.
Those individuals will survive
and reproduce.
What is the definition of fossil?
the preserved remains of plants and animals
What is the definition of genetic load?
the accumulated random mutations
within the DNA of a population
of organisms
this makes an organism less fit for
survival
What is Relative dating?
rock layers are
compared to other layers near
them.
What is the definition of fixity of species?
species do not change over time
What is a homologous structure
features that are shared by distinct types of organisms
What is absolute dating?
relies on the
known rates of radioactive decay
of certain elements found in
igneous rock
Unstable isotopes slowly
decay into stable isotopes.
What is the definition of Uniformitarianism
that all of Earth’s physical processes happen at the same rate in the present time as in the past.
What is a vestigial structure?
structures that according to evolutionary theory no longer have a function
What is Carbon-14 Dating and which fossils is this used on?
uses radioactive carbon-14 to
calculate a fossil’s age
What is the definition of mutation?
random change in DNA
Scientists attempt to find out the ages of rocks by a process called:
dating
What is survival of the fittest?
Some individuals have traits that make them better able to compete
for those things than others.
Those individuals will survive
and reproduce.