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Evolution
Change in a population over time.
Most recent common ancestor
The most recent ancestor that two species share in common.
Homologous structure
Structures that related species inherited from a common ancestor.
Analogous structure
Structures that perform a similar function, but were NOT inherited from a common ancestor. They evolved independently over time.
Vestigial structure
Structures that no longer serve a purpose, but are still present in the body.
Phylogenetic tree
A diagram that scientists use to show ancestral relationships between organisms.
Development
How an embryo grows into an adult organism
Genome
The complete set of DNA in an organism's cells
Natural selection
The natural process where organisms who are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce at higher proportions than organisms who are less adapted.
Adaptation
A trait that improves the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Variation
Differences (physical, behavioral, etc.) between organisms caused by genetic or environmental factors.
Fitness
The ability of an organism to survive to reproductive age and reproduce.
Selective pressure
Any factor that alters the behavior and fitness of organisms within an environment.
Species
Organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
speciation
An evolutionary process in which one species splits into two or more species.
geographic isolation
A physical barrier prevents two species from mating with each other.
reproductive isolation
Biological or behavioral changes that prevent two species from mating and producing fertile offspring with each other, even when they are in the same environment.
