Chapter 4 Vocabulary

Question 1

Adaptation

Answer 1

A characteristic that improves an individual’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

Question 2

Species

Answer 2

A group of organisms that are closely related and can mate to produce fertile offspring.

Question 3

Fossil

Answer 3

The trace or remains of an organism that lived long ago, most commonly preserved in sedimentary rock.

Question 4

Fossil Record

Answer 4

A historical sequence of life indicated by fossils found in layers of Earth’s crust.

Question 5

Trait

Answer 5

A form of a genetically determined characteristic.

Question 6

Selective Breeding

Answer 6

The human practice of breeding animals or plants that have certain desired traits.

Question 7

Natural Selection

Answer 7

The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than less well adapted individuals do.

Question 8

Generation Time

Answer 8

The period between the birth of one generation and the birth of the next.

Question 9

Speciation

Answer 9

The formation of new species as a result of change over time.