change in the heritable traits within a population across generations Evolution change in the heritable traits within a population across generations
Vestigial Organs/Structures Organ/structure that serves no useful function (job) in an organism
Common Descent The idea that all living things were derived (came from) common ancestors
Artificial Selection When HUMANS select which organisms breed for useful traits from the natural variation among different organisms
Natural Selection Process where individuals that are better suited (fitness) to their environment survive & reproduce most successfully
Survival of the Fittest Process where individuals that are better suited (fitness) to their environment survive & reproduce most successfully
Homologous Structures Structures that have different mature forms but develop from the same embryonic tissues
Any inherited trait that INCREASES an organism’s chance of survival Adaptation Any inherited trait that INCREASES an organism’s chance of survival
Fitness Ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its specific environment