| A | B |
|---|
| adaptation | inherited characteristics that increases an organism's chance of survival |
| binomial nomenclature | two part scientific name of an organism; its genus is listed first, followed by its species |
| evolution | change over time |
| fossil | preserved remains of an ancient organism |
| genus | first part of an organism's scientific name |
| homologous struggle | structures that have different mature forms but develop the same embryonic tissue |
| kingdom | the highest level of classification, which contains a group of similar phyla |
| mutation | a change in a DNA sequence that can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses |
| natural selection | individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; survival of the fittest |
| species | two organism that are so similar they can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring |
| taxonomy | classification if organisms |
| vestigial organ | organ so reduced in size, it does not serve and important function; may be homologous to structures in other organisms |
