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Fossils Similarities on DNA and protein structure Similarities of body structure Similarities in Early Development
Fossils
Fossils help scientist infer about the shape and function of ancient organisms' body structures. They support the theory that living organisms evolved from earlier simpler organisms. The Fossil Record (the millions of fossils collected by scientists and organized by date) gives clues of how and when a new species evolved and how organisms may be related
Species a group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and reproduce fertile offspring.
Scientists infer that species inherited many of the same genes from a common ancestor. The more similar the DNA sequence the more closely related the species are. The order of amino acids in proteins can also show how closely related two species may be.
Organisms that share the same basic body plan are assumed to have come from a common ancestor.
Organisms with common ancestry look similar during the early stages of development.
Discovery Streaming
Natural Selection The world of birds Eating like a bird Gizmo Activities
Natural selection is the PROCESS by which individuals that are better adapted to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same specie. Adaptation - trait that increases the organisms ability to survive and reproduce. Variation - differences between individuals of the same species. Trait genetic characteristic.
The case of the Moth during the industrial revolution. The case of antibiotic resistant bacteria and super bugs. White Lizard
A new species can form when a group of individuals remain isolated from the rest of its species long enough to evolve different traits that prevent reproduction.
Biodiversity the number of different species in an area. Factors that affect biodiversity in an ecosystem are as follows: Area the larger the area the more biodiversity. Climate tropical rainforests are the most diverse ecosystems. Genetic Diversity species with diverse gene pools are better able to adapt and survive. changes in the environment. Niche Diversity a diverse habitat supports a larger number of species than a uniformed habitat.
Extinction is a natural process that usually happens gradually. Extinction rates have increased do to human activities.