Lines of Evidence for Evolution

the change in a species over time; the process of biological change by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors

a body part that is similar in structure on different organisms but performs different functions

a body part that is similar in function as a body part of another organism but is structurally different

remnants of an organ or structure that functioned in an earlier ancestor

a diagram based on patterns of shared traits or inherited characteristics

a derived character is one that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade and that sets members of that clade apart from other individuals

is the scientific classification of biological organisms based on shared characteristics.

the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product that ultimately affects a characteristic of an organism.

the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

A genotype is an individual’s collection of genes. The term also can refer to the two alleles inherited for a particular gene.

one of two or more versions of a gene. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.

organic chemical of complex molecular structure that is found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses

the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations

a trace of an organism from the distant past preserved in rock

a group of organisms believed to have evolved from a common ancestor,

a fossil that is useful for dating and correlating the strata in which it found

genes that play a key role in controlling the body plan of a developing organism