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Evolution

Terms in this set (18)

Evolution
The gradual change in a species over time
Botany/Botanist
Botany is the field of science that studies plants. Botanists are the scientists that work in this field of study.
Anatomy
The study of body structure
Biogeography
Study of past and present distribution of organisms around the world
Astronomy/Astronomer
Astronomy is the field of science that studies outer space.
Paleontology/Paleontologist
the study of fossils
geology, geologist
Geology is the field of science that investigates the earth's physical structure...rocks.
Naturalist
a person who studies nature and natural history
Gradualism
The theory that evolution occurs slowly but steadily
natural selection
A process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits. Survival of the fittest!
Evidence of Evolution
1) Fossil Record
2) Embryology
3) Homologous Structures
4) DNA
5) Vestigial Structures
homologous structures
Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry. Example: legs of humans, dogs, horses, etc.
Embryology
study of embryos and their development
vestigial structures
A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose Example: appendix, wings on flightless birds
artificial selection
Humans do it! Select species with desirable traits Example: dog breeders
extinct
no longer existing
Primates have
opposable thumbs, forward set eyes, maternal care, large brain
Paleoanthropology
the study of the history of human evolution through the fossil record
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