Question

directions match each term with its description. write the correct letter on the line.
column a
____ 1. adaptive advantage
____ 2. cast
____ 3. mold
____ 4. fossil record
____ 5. hominid
____ 6. mass extinction
____ 7. half - life
____ 8. vestigial structure
____ 9. geographic isolation
____ 10. homologous structures
column b
a separation of a population into two populations as result of a change in the environment
b type of fossil that forms when an imprint of an organism fills with minerals
c body part that appears to be useless to an organism but was probably useful to its ancestors
d time required for half a radioactive mineral to decay
e history of life on earth shown by fossils
f body parts that are similar in related organisms
g type of fossil formed when a dead organism leaves an empty space in a rock
h time during which large numbers of species die out
i trait that helps an organism survive in a certain environment
j humans and their humanlike relatives

Explanation:

• Adaptive advantage: A trait that helps an organism survive in a certain environment. So, 1 - I.
• Cast: A type of fossil that forms when an imprint of an organism fills with minerals. So, 2 - B.
• Mold: A type of fossil formed when a dead organism leaves an empty space in a rock. So, 3 - G.
• Fossil record: History of life on earth shown by fossils. So, 4 - E.
• Hominid: Humans and their humanlike relatives. So, 5 - J.
• Mass extinction: Time during which large numbers of species die out. So, 6 - H.
• Half - life: Time required for half a radioactive mineral to decay. So, 7 - D.
• Vestigial structure: Body part that appears to be useless to an organism but was probably useful to its ancestors. So, 8 - C.
• Geographic isolation: Separation of a population into two populations as a result of a change in the environment. So, 9 - A.
• Homologous structures: Body parts that are similar in related organisms. So, 10 - F.

Answer:

1. I
2. B
3. G
4. E
5. J
6. H
7. D
8. C
9. A
10. F