traits that can be passed down allow organisms to adapt to the environment better than other organisms of the same species. This enables better survival and reproduction compared with other members of the species, leading to evolution.
What is natural selection?
Any inherited characteristic that increases an organisms chance of survival
What is an adaptation?
Fill in the blank: Natural selection over many generations causes ______
What is evolution?
Bat wings, cat paws, and whale fins are an example of this
What are homolgous structures?
Organisms best adjusted to their environment are the most successful in surviving and reproducing
What is survival of the fittest?
What is needed for natural selection to happen?
What is genetic variation?
An adaptation polar bears have and how it help them survive.
What is polar bears have thick white fur which keeps them warm and allows them to hide from their prey?
True or false : populations evolve, not individuals.
What is true?
Explain how are fossils used as evidence of evolution.
What is they show how species change over time? (oldest buried deepest, most recent near the surface)
This may happen to a species when its environment changes but it is unable to adapt.
What is extinction?
A population of rabbits lives in a snowy environment. Some rabbits are white, and some are brown. Over time, the white rabbit population increases. What is the most likely reason for this change?
What is white rabbits are better camouflaged and survive predators more often?
Explain which mouse is better adapted to this environment.
What is the grey mouse is better adapted to this environment? Its fur color blends in with the environment and therefore is not seen by predators.
True or false: evolution happens quickly and can change in one generation
What is false?
A scientist finds a fossil in a deeper rock layer that resembles a modern-day horse, but with three toes on each foot. What conclusion can best be drawn from this evidence?
What is modern horses evolved from organisms with multiple toes?
A species of fish depends on coral reefs for food and shelter. Over time, ocean temperatures rise, and the coral reefs begin to die. Predict what might happen to the fish species, and why.
What is they may go extinct if they cannot find new habitats or adapt?
In an arctic habitat; are white foxes or grey foxes more likely to survive and why?
What is white foxes are more likely to survive becase their white coats help them blend into the snow?
In an environment with food that grows on trees; are animals with long legs more likely to survive than animals with short legs and why?
Yes, animals with long legs, necks or any trait that makes them taller will be more likely to survive because they have easier access to food.
Fill in the blank: Organisms with traits that _____ their chances of surviving and reproducing in their environment tend to leave more offspring
What is increase?
Scientists found a fossil of an ancient species with characteristics of both fish and amphibians. What does this discovery most likely suggest?
What is transitional species provide evidence of how major groups of organisms are related?
Scientists observe a population of beetles with varying shell thickness. In recent years, bird predation has increased. Over time, data shows an increase in beetles with thicker shells. What conclusion can be drawn?
What is beetles with thicker shells were more likely to survive and reproduce?
A species of lizard lives on an island with light-colored sand. Over time, some lizards develop darker skin due to genetic mutation. A volcanic eruption covers parts of the island with dark rock. What would most likely happen to the lizard population over the next few generations?
What is the dark-skinned lizards will be more likely to survive on dark rocks and pass on their genes?
A species of plant relies on a specific insect for pollination. The insect population declines due to pesticide use, and no other pollinators are available. Predict the most likely long-term outcome for the plant species.
What is it may become extinct if it cannot adapt to the absence of its pollinator?
Two species of birds live in the same forest. One eats a wide variety of seeds; the other only eats seeds from a single plant. The plant begins to disappear due to drought. Make a prediction on what will happen based on the theory of evolution by natural selection.
What is the bird with a varied diet will have a higher chance of survival?
Which piece of fossil evidence would most strongly support the idea that birds evolved from dinosaurs?
A. A modern bird fossil found next to a dinosaur fossil
B. A fossil showing a bird-like creature with feathers and dinosaur-like limbs
C. A fossilized dinosaur footprint
D. A fossil of a reptile without any bird-like features
B. A fossil showing a bird-like creature with feathers and dinosaur-like limbs

This chart shows the beak length of a population of finches in the Galapagos. The island was faced with conditions causing the beak-length distribution in the population as shown in the graph. If natural selection occurs, predict how the bird beak lengths would change?
What are those with medium-long beaks would increase most?