Evolution Vocabulary Flashcards
Natural selection
Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success.
Characteristics
the physical differences between living things
Generations
a series. For example, the next set of animals born, and so on.
Offspring
an animal’s young or person’s children.
Variation
when there is difference in physical characteristics
Fossilised
the process of an animal or plant becoming preserved in a hard, petrified form
Adaptation
the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
Traits
a genetically determined characteristic.
Conditions
environmental factors which could impact on an organism’s survival.
Gene
inside the cells of the body. Determines what characteristics are passed down from parent to offspring.
DNA
Shaped like a twisted ladder. What genes are made up of.
Inherit
to derive a quality or characteristic from a parent.
Geological era
a major chunk of time on earth e.g. the age of mammals (approx. the last 63 million years)
