Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
26 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
Species |
A group of organisms that are physically similar and can mate with each other and produce offspring that can also mate and reproduce. |
|
|
Fossil |
The preserved remains or trace of an organism that lived in the past. |
|
|
Adaptation |
A behavior or physical characteristic that allows an organism to survive or reproduce in its environment. |
|
|
Evolution |
The gradual change in a species over time. |
|
|
Scientific Theory |
A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observation. |
|
|
Natural Selection |
A process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than others of the same species. |
|
|
Variation |
A factor in an experiment that can change. |
|
|
Comparative Anatomy |
The comparison of the structure of different organism. |
|
|
Homologous Structures |
Body parts that are structurally similar in related species. |
|
|
Mold |
A type of fossil formed when a shell or other hard part of an organism dissolves leaving an empty space in the shape of the part. |
|
|
Cast |
A type of fossil that forms when a mold becomes filled in with material that can be hardened. |
|
|
Petrified Fossil |
A fossil formed when minerals replace all or part of an organism. |
|
|
Trace Fossil |
A type of fossil that provides evidence of the active and ancient organisms. |
|
|
Paleontologist |
A scientist who studies fossils. |
|
|
Gradualism |
The theory that evolution occurs slowly but steadily. |
|
|
Punctuated Equilibria |
The theory that species evolved during a short period of rapid change. |
|
|
Habitat |
The specific environment that provides the things an organism needs to live, grow, and reproduce. |
|
|
Extinct |
Scientific term used to describe species with no members still alive. The disappearance of all members of a species from earth. |
|
|
Classification |
The process of grouping things based on their similarities |
|
|
Taxonomy |
The scientific study of how living things are classified.
|
|
|
Binomial Nomenclature |
The system for naming organisms in which each organism is given a unique, two-part scientific name.
|
|
|
Genus |
A classification grouping that consists of a number of similar, closely related species.
|
|
|
Prokaryote |
An organism whose cells lack a nucleus and some other cell structures. (NO NUCLEUS) |
|
|
Eukaryote |
An organism whose cells contain nuclei. (YES NUCLEUS)
|
|
|
Branching Tree Diagram |
A diagram that shows how scientists think different groups of organisms are related. |
|
|
Shared Derived Characteristic |
A characteristic--usually a homologous structure--shared by all organisms in a group. For reference: Homologous Structures are body parts that are structurally similar in related species. |
