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Definition
| A group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce fertile offspring. |
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| The preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past |
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Definition
| A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. |
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Definition
| The gradual change in a species over time. |
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Definition
| A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations. |
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Definition
| Individuals that are better adapted to their environment and are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species. |
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| A difference between individuals of the same species. |
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| What 3 important observations did Darwin make on his voyage? |
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Definition
- Diversity of organisms
- The remains of ancient organsims
- The characteristics of organisms on the Galapogos Islands.
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Term
| How did Darwin account for the diversity of species and the differences between similar species? |
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Definition
Darwin reasoned that species on the island faced different environmental challenges than mainland species.
Over many generations, they became better adapted to the new environment. |
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| How does natural selection lead to evolution? |
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Definition
Over time, natural selection can lead to change. Helpful variations may gradually grow within a species, while unhelpful variations disapper.
More capable survive - Less able die out. |
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| List three general kinds of observations that Darwin made during his voyage. |
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Definition
- Diversity
- Fossils
- Adaptations
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| Contrast Galapagos iguanas to South American iguanas. |
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Definition
South American Iguanas have shorter claws and are green in color to match the lush environment.
Galapagos iguanas have longer claws to help hold on to the slipperly, wave soaked rocks, and their coloring helps them blend into the dark rocks. |
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Term
| How does selective breeding support Darwin's hypothesis? |
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Definition
| Animals with an adaptation that make them more capable of surviving in their environment will likely successfully breed and give birth to some offspring that possess that same adaptation. Over time, more of that species will possess that adaptation as these continue to breed among themselves. |
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Term
| How do genetic variation and environmental factors work together to cause natural selection? |
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Definition
| As genetic variations occur, some will be helpful and some will be harmful for that organism's survival in the environment. The helpful variations will continue on. |
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