Evolution and Changes Over Time

Science

adaptation

a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment

adaptation Simple Definition

analogous structure

body parts of different species that have the same function but different structure and origin

analogous structure Simple Definition

artificial selection

the selective breeding of organisms to produce offspring with specific traits

artificial selection Simple Definition

biogeography

the study of the distribution of organisms on Earth

biogeography Simple Definition

fitness

the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment

fitness Simple Definition

fossil

the preserved traces and remains of an organism that lived long ago

fossil Simple Definition

gradualism

the evolution of a species, as a gradual change over time

gradualism Simple Definition

homologous structure

a similar structure in different species, like a whale fin, bat wing and your arm

homologous structure Simple Definition

natural selection

the individuals best suited to survive in an environment

natural selection Simple Definition

vestigial structure

a structure that was useful to an ancestor but is no longer functional, like the appendix

vestigial structure Simple Definition

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