Evolution Vocabulary
adaptation
extinct
fossil
endangered species
evolution
natural selection
fossil record
Fill in the blank with the correct word
variation
mutation
speciation
1. __________ a difference or deviation in structure or character from others of the
same species or group
2. __________ a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted
to the environment
3. __________ when a species no longer exists; all have died out.
4. __________ A species present in such small numbers that it is at risk of extinction
5. __________ refers to the total number of fossils that have been discovered, as
well as to the information derived from them.
6. __________ A remnant or trace of an organism of a past geologic age, such as a
skeleton or leaf imprint, embedded and preserved in the earth's crust.
7. __________ Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive
generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among
__________ An alteration or adjustment in structure or habits, often hereditary, by
which a species or individual improves its condition in relationship to its environment.
8. __________ The evolutionary formation of new biological species, usually by the
division of a single species into two or more genetically distinct ones
9. __________ an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal
alteration
Things to know for Evolution test
1. Be able to explain Darwin’s theory of Evolution.
2. What can cause extinction of a species?
3. What is a fossil?
4. How are geologic time periods mostly divided?
5. What organisms have existed on earth for the longest period of time?
6. Know what the layering of rocks can tell us.
7. What is a paleontologist?
8. How old is the earth, approximately?
9. Know: variation, mutations, and natural selection
10. What time period do we live in now?
11. What species did Darwin study to help form his theory of evolution?
12. Know about acquired traits.