Evolution
gradual process of a species becoming extinct
Background Extinction
Rapid diversification of most major animal groups marking the start of the Paleozoic Era
Cambrian Explosion
The idea that living organisms can be produced from non-living. Ex: worms being created from mud
Spontaneous Generation
younger layers of rock are deposited on top of older layers
An event in which a large percentage of all living species become extinct in a relatively short period of time
Mass Extinction
The process of directed breeding to produce offspring with desired trust. Also known as selective breeding.
Artificial Selection
the time required for 1/2 of radioactive atoms in a sample to decay
Half-life
Distinctive fossils used to establish and compare relative age of rock layers and the fossils photosynthesis.
Index Fossils
relies on radioactive isotopes to tell the age of the rock/fossil. Uses the proportion of radioactive isotopes to stable isotopes to calculate the age of a sample.
Radiometric Dating
A record of Earth's history where major geological and biological events can be identified.
Geologic Time Scale
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. Can be cast, trace, or amber.
The ancestors eukaryotic cells living in association with prokaryotic cells, where prokaryotes may have lived INSIDE the eukaryotes, entering as undigested prey and forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Explains origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts
Endosymbiotic Theory
placing rock layers and their fossils in a time sequence. Helps paleontologists determine whether a fossil is older or younger than other fossils
Relative Dating
change over time; the process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms
Evolution
any heritable characteristics that increases an organisms ability to survive and reproduce. Ex. claws on a tiger, camouflage, they way an animal hibernates or a plant does photosynthesis
Adaptation
Photosynthesis prokaryotes that evolved very early in life's history and produced enough oxygen to support the formation of the ozone layer
Cyanobacteria
patterns in the distribution of fossils and living species, combined with information from geology, tell how modern organisms evolved from their ancestors.
Biogeography
Describes how well an organism can survive and reproduce in its environment
Fitness
Only living organisms can produce other living organisms.
the process by which organisms in natures with variations more suited to their local environment survive and leave more offspring
Natural Selection