Evolution Vocabulary

2. Traits inherited from a common ancestor (e.g., human and bat arms).
5. How well an organism survives and reproduces in its environment.
6. How common a specific allele (gene version) is in a population.
8. A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships between species.
10. When new species form without physical separation.
12. All the genes and their versions in a population.
14. The scientist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
15. Organisms from which others evolved in the past.
16. The formation of new species.
17. To continue living.
19. The study of how organisms develop before birth.
21. The process where organisms with better traits survive and reproduce more.
24. A well-supported explanation for natural phenomena, based on evidence.
25. A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

1. Traits that look similar but evolved independently (e.g., bird and insect wings).
3. Random changes in allele frequency, especially in small populations.
4. The passing of traits from ancestors to their offspring.
7. The idea that different species share the same ancestors.
9. When new species form because groups are separated by geography.
11. To make offspring.
13. Preserved remains or impressions of ancient organisms.
18. When groups of a population are separated, leading to less gene flow.
19. Changes in species over time due to genetic and environmental factors.
20. Islands where Darwin studied species, helping him develop his theory of evolution.
22. A structure that no longer has a clear function (e.g., human appendix).
23. Movement of genes between populations through reproduction or migration.