Theory
This has stood the test of time and is supported by evidence
Analogus structures
Body parts that share a common function, but not structure
Fossil
The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past
molecular homology
DNA is used to show a relationship between organisms and a common ancestor
Darwin
Studied animals of Galapagos and used the terms survival of the fittest
Adaptation
A genetic change allowing for better survival
Embryology
Study of embryos and their development
Homologous structures
Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.
Mutation
Changes in cellular DNA
Evolution
A change in a species over time
Heredity
Passing of traits from parents to offspring
Phylogeny
Form and structure of organism's traits
Law of Superposition
Oldest rocks and sediment on bottom layers, youngest rocks and sediment on top layers
Ancestors
Those organisms an individual has descended from
Population
A group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area
Evidence
Information that either supports or does not support an assertion/idea
Embryo
An organism in the earliest stage of development
Vestigial structures
A structure that is present in an organism but no longer serves its original purpose
Common ancestor
Many groups of organisms descended and evolved from this organism
Gene
A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait
Transitional fossil
Shows link between ancestor and descendant
Diversity
variety
Morphology
Relatedness of species through descent from common ancestor
Natural Selection
Those that are best fit to survive will breed and pass on their traits.