The remains or imprints of once-living organisms.

All of the fossils that have been discovered make up the fossil record.

The fossil record provides evidence about the order in which species have existed through time, and how they have changed over time.

A characteristic that improves an organism ability to survive and reproduce in an environment.

Related organisms share structural traits.

The greater the number of similarities between the molecules of any two species, the more recently the two species most likely shared a common ancestor.

If organisms develop in similar ways, they also likely share a common ancestor.

Different traits or different variations in species

Organisms that inherit advantageous traits tend to reproduce more successfully that other organisms

Overproduction – Too many offspring for current environment

Genetic Variation - natural differences

Spots, beaks, height, color, jaw

Selection – Better traits allow for survival.

Larger neck, bigger beak, jaw, camouflage

Adaptation – Trait that helps organism survive

Evolution???