evidence for evolution fossils, comparative anatomy, genetics and biochemistry, geographical distribution, embryology Flashcards
what do fossil records show
Fossil record shows that there is an increasing number of species that have lived on Earth. Some species have become extinct while others have evolved into many new and different species.
what else do fossil records indicate
Fossil records also indicate that transitional forms also existed, these are species that share characteristics of two different groups of organisms. For example, dinosaurs with feathers.
what is comparative anatomy
Comparative anatomy is the science of comparing the physical structures of a species with others.
what homogenous structure
Homologous is used to describe features that have the same basic structure due to a shared evolutionary history.
what is analogous structure
Characteristics that look similar but do not share a common ancestry are called analogous.
how does DNA and genes impact evolution besides physical structures and functions of organisms
The discovery of DNA and genes explained how genes contribute to the variation evident within a species.
DNA also allows scientists to identify similarities and differences between organisms based on genetic profiles.
what is distribution
A map of all the places where a species occurs is called the distribution of the species.
what is the geographical distribution
The geographical distribution is all the places on Earth where a species is found.
when can island speciation occur
Island speciation can occur more rapidly when a species arrives on an island with many habitats or lifestyles not filled by organisms already living there.
what are niches
Unused habitats and lifestyles are known as niches and over time species become divergent from other species in other niches.
what is embryology and what does it do
Embryology is the study of the development, structure and function of embryos. Comparisons of vertebrate embryos show similarities in the early stages of development.
