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| The theory that Earth was one large landmass or supercontinent called Pangea, which eventually split apart. |
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The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes. |
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| a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations, but is not proven |
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| the gradual or slow change in a species over time |
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| a group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce offspring that are fertile |
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| Observations lead this person to the development of the theory of evolution by natural selections |
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| a British naval ship that sailed from England on a 5-year trip around the world and was famous for going to Galapagos Islands |
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| a physical or behavioral trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce |
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| a relative that closely relates organisms in an evolutionary branching tree |
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| formed when a group of individuals remains separated from the rest of its species long enough to evolve different traits |
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a species that does not have any living members
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-refers to plants and animals that are "pretenders"
-Organisms may physically appear to be dangerous.
-Animals may have behaviors appearing to be dangerous.
-Ex.: The colors of the King Snake mimic the Coral Snake |
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| -a predator adaptation in which fangs release a chemical that stuns/paralyzes its prey |
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| Evolutionary relationships |
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Scientists compare homologous body structures, early development before birth, and DNA sequences to determine the evolutionary relationships among organisms
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| Similar Early Development |
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Scientists study the very early stages of development BEFORE BIRTH (such as embryos) to determine if these similarities suggest that species share a common ancestor.
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Darwin studied different bird species of finches to gather evidence for the evolution theory, as the beaks were adapted to eat the specific food available on each specific island.
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| Evolutionary Branching Tree / Cladogram |
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branching diagram or "tree" showing the inferred evolutionary relationships among various species
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Scientists use molecular data in DNA, comparison of traits, & fossils. The greater the similarities of “DNA data” for any two species, the more closely they are related through a common ancestor
Ex.: Elephant shrew more closely related to elephants than rodents!
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| Similar Homologous Structures |
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Scientists study similar structures among species (such as skeletal /body structures) to determine if these similarities suggest that species share a common ancestor
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| Natural Selection leading to Evolution |
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| -Helpful traits accumulate among surviving members of the species to the point that the species evolves |
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-the millions of fossils that scientists have collected
-provides much of the information scientists know about extinct species
- provides much of the information about the timeline of life |
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- Most species produce far more offspring than can possibly survive.
Ex.: An organism lays many eggs and only a few of the organisms survive. |
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| the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past |
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- a type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks, remains of plants & animals, and particles of sand/dust/soil are pressed and cemented together into layers
- many fossils are found in this rock |
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- Blending in with the background |
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| Genetic Mutation leading to Evolution |
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- the addition, deletion or substitution of a gene in the genetic code
- The change in a gene can be harmful, helpful, or neutral to an organism.
-When a "mistake" in the genetic code is an adaptation for survival, evolution can occur when the new trait is passed to offspring. |
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| Limiting Factors for Populations |
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- competition (for food & space), disease, predation, geographic barriers, & natural disasters |
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- the process in which humans select which plants or animals to reproduce based on certain desired traits |
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| What is a synonym for Natural Selection? |
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-survival of the fittest
- only the fittest organisms survive |
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| In what area did Darwin lack knowledge? |
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