Comparative Anatomy MS-LS4-2

Grade 8 - NGSS - CA

Body parts of different species that have the same function but different structure and origin

Analogous structure

Body parts of different species that have the same function but different structure and origin. Analogous structure. Analogous structures are features in different species that have similar functions but are not inherited from a common ancestor.

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between species

Cladogram

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between species. Cladogram. A cladogram is like a family tree for species that shows how they are related through evolution.

The most recent individual from which two or more species are descended

Common ancestor

The most recent individual from which two or more species are descended. common ancestor. A common ancestor is an ancient organism from which different species have evolved over time.

The process by which unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments

Convergent evolution

The process by which unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments. convergent evolution. In simple terms, convergent evolution is when different animals end up looking or acting alike because they live in similar places or deal with similar problems.

A similar structure in different species, like a whale fin, bat wing and your arm

Homologous structure

A similar structure in different species, like a whale fin, bat wing, and your arm. Homologous structure. Homologous structures are body parts in different species that look similar because they evolved from a common ancestor.

The study of the form and structure of organisms

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms. Morphology. In Grade 8 science, morphology is about understanding the shapes and structures of living things.

The individuals best suited to survive in an environment

Natural selection

The individuals best suited to survive in an environment. Natural selection. Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

The evolutionary history of an organism and related species

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of an organism and related species. Phylogeny. Phylogeny is like the family tree of living things that shows how they are related through evolution.

The evolution of new species from an existing species

Speciation

The evolution of new species from an existing species. Speciation. Speciation is the process where new species are formed from existing ones through changes and adaptations over time.