Evolution Flashcards
Analogous Structure
Structure that has the same function but different construction and not inherited.
Adaptation
Inherited characteristic of a species that developed over time in response to an environmental factor.
Artificial Selection
Selective breeding of organisms for certain traits.
Cladogram
Diagram with branches that represent the hypothesized phylogeny or evolution of a species.
Era
a large division of Earth’s geological time scale that is divided into periods.
Epoch
Smallest unit of geological time lasting several millions of years.
Period
Divisions of geological time lasting tens of millions of years.
Relative dating
Method used to determine the age of rocks, using isotopes.
Radiometric dating
used the decay of radioactive isotopes to find rock ages.
Half-Life
the amount of time it takes for half the isotope to decay.
Natural Selection
Survival of the fittest.
Evolution
Natural changes in organisms over time.
Homologous Structures
Similar structures inherited by common ancestors.
Vestigial Structures
Structures that are reduced forms of functional structures in organisms.
Fitness
measure of the relative contribution an individual trait makes the next generation.
