Unit 5 MEGA Remediation

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

A process in which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, which contributes to the adaptability and survival of the species.

A theory in evolutionary biology that proposes that species evolve during short periods of rapid change, followed by long periods of stability.

Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in an early ancestor but are now reduced or nonfunctional, providing evidence for evolution.

Competition among individuals of a species for limited resources can lead to the survival of the fittest, where only those best adapted to their environment survive.

The process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.

Gradualism suggests that evolution occurs slowly and steadily, while punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.

Fossil records, genetic similarities, and the presence of vestigial structures all provide evidence for the theory of evolution.

A species from which two or more different species have evolved.