Evolution

Question 1

Fossil Evidence for Evolution

Answer 1

Hard parts like bones, teeth. the hard parts of an organism under dry climatic conditions often survive the natural process of decay.
IMPRINTS: impressions made by plants and animals in soft soil or mud that with the passage of time harden to become rock
MOLDS: The rock can be broken open to reveal a mold
PETRIFICATION: Minerals in the water diffused into the cells of the organism, forming rock that resembles the organic tissue that was replaced.
REFRIGERATION: occurs when an organism is preserved by cold temp or by ice.
AMBER: a form of fossilized resin from trees that lived millions of years ago.
TAR PITS: an accumulation of oil or asphalt that seeped up to the earth’s surface.

Question 2

Comparative Anatomy

Answer 2

HOMOLOGOUS STRUCTURES: are similar in construction and evolutionary development but dissimilar in function
ANALOGOUS STRUCTURE: are similar in function but dissimilar in construction and evolutionary development
VESTIGIAL STRUCTURE: at one time had a function in the evolutionary history of an organism but now does not have a function.

Question 3

Comparative Embryology

Answer 3

During the early stages of development, all vertebrate embryos have gill slits, a two-chabered heart and a tail

Question 4

Comparative Biochemistry

Answer 4

DNA, RNA and genetic code and protein synthesis are similar in all organisms.

Question 5

The Rate of Evolution

Answer 5

Gradualism vs. Punctuated equilibrium