darwin,, evolution and fossils
Order by
13 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 evolution | the process of change over time from simple to more complex |
| fossils | preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms |
| tendency toward perfection | Lamarck proposed that all organisms have an innate tendency toward complexity and perfection. As a result, they are continually changing and acquiring features that help them live more successfully in their environments. |
| artificial selection | nature provides the variations and humans select those they find useful |
| natural variation | differences among individuals of a species; results from mutation and sexual reproduction |
| common ancestor | idea that we are all related |
| adaptation | any characteristics that give an advantage for survival |
| descent of modification | small changes are passed onto generations over long period time |
| relative dating | helps to determine whether a fossil is older or younger than others by placing rock layers and their fossils in a temporal sequence |
| index fossils | distinctive fossils used to establish and compare the relative ages of rock layers and fossils they contain |
| half life | time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay |
| carbon 14 | elements used for younger than 60,000 |
| potassium 40 uranium 238 rubidium 87 | older than 100,000 |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.