Earth Systems Crossword

3. The total collection of genes and genetic variations present in a population.
4. A change in the genetic material (DNA) of an organism, which can lead to new traits and contribute to evolutionary change.
5. A characteristic or behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
7. When two related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures.
8. The process where unrelated species develop similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures.
9. The process by which one species splits into two or more distinct species due to genetic differences and environmental factors.
12. The process by which humans intentionally breed plants or animals for specific traits, often seen in agriculture and pet breeding
13. The collection of fossils used to track the history of life on Earth and understand evolutionary processes.
14. The most recent species from which two or more different species have evolved.

1. The process by which different species of organisms develop and change over generations through variations in traits and natural selection.
2. Body parts in different species that have a similar structure and origin, suggesting common ancestry.
6. Environmental factors (e.g., climate, food, predators) that influence which traits are favorable for survival.
10. The process where organisms with traits that better suit their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits.
11. The differences in traits among individuals within a population, which can be genetic, behavioral, or physiological.