Evolution and Changes Over Time

Science

a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment

Adaptation explained in an easy to understand way.

Body parts of different species that have the same function but different structure and origin

Analogous structure

Body parts of different species that have the same function but different structure and origin. Analogous structure. Analogous structures are features that perform the same function in different species but have evolved separately, like the wings of birds and insects.

The selective breeding of organisms to produce offspring with specific traits

Artificial selection

The selective breeding of organisms to produce offspring with specific traits. Artificial selection. Artificial selection is when humans choose which plants or animals to breed to bring out desired traits.

The study of the distribution of organisms on Earth

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of organisms on Earth. Biogeography. It's the science of where living things are found and why they live there.

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment. Fitness. In science, fitness refers to how well an organism can survive and produce offspring in a particular environment.

the preserved traces and remains of an organism that lived long ago

Fossil explained in an easy to understand way.

The evolution of a species, as a gradual change over time

Gradualism

The evolution of a species, as a gradual change over time gradualism. Gradualism is the idea that species evolve slowly and steadily over long periods.

A similar structure in different species, like a whale fin, bat wing and your arm

Homologous structure

A similar structure in different species, like a whale fin, bat wing and your arm. Homologous structure. Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have a similar structure due to a common ancestor, even if they serve different functions.

The individuals best suited to survive in an environment

Natural selection

The individuals best suited to survive in an environment. Natural selection. Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

A structure that was useful to an ancestor but is no longer functional, like the appendix

Vestigial structure

A structure that was useful to an ancestor but is no longer functional, like the appendix. Vestigial structure. A vestigial structure is an anatomical feature that has lost its original function through evolution.