(Chapter 2.3) Evidence for Evolution

Question 1

Define scientific law

Answer 1

A prediction of the results of certain initial conditions, supported by scientific discoveries and rigorously tested hypotheses. Can be expressed as a mathematical equation

Question 2

Define scientific theory

Answer 2

A proposal of a logical explanation for why phenomenas happen as they do, supported by results from rigorous testing

Question 3

Identify palaeontologists’ field of study

Answer 3

Palaeontologists study fossil records and the correlation between geographical eras

Question 4

Define trace fossil

Answer 4

A fossil record of biological activity but not the preserved remains of the plant or animal itself. In simple terms, the traces of a fossil

Question 5

Define relative dating

Answer 5

The process of determining if one rock or geologic event is older or younger than another, without knowing their specific ages

Question 6

Define strata

Answer 6

The rock layers that depict the ages of the Earth

Question 7

Define absolute dating

Answer 7

A method to measure the physical properties of an object itself and use these measurements to calculate its age

Question 8

Recall what absolute dating is also known as

Answer 8

Absolute dating is also known as radiometric dating

Question 9

Explain how relative dating works

Answer 9

Relative dating works through the comparison of the depth of the strata the rock or event was located in

Question 10

Explain how absolute dating works

Answer 10

Absolute dating works through the detection of the number of half-lives of the radioisotopes, such as carbon 14, in the rock

Question 11

Define transitional fossil

Answer 11

Any fossilized remains of a life form that exhibits traits common to both an ancestral group and its derived descendant group

Question 12

Define living fossil

Answer 12

An existing organism of an ancient lineage that has remained unchanged in structure or form for an extended period