Fossil
Naturally preserved remains or traces of animals or plants that lived in the geologic past.
Fossil Record
A term used by paleontologists that refers to the total number of fossils that have been discovered, as well as to the information gained from them.
Trilobite
A fossil group of extinct arthropods that lived in water and are found all over Ohio.
Species
A group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants.
Variation
Inherited trait that makes an individual different from other member of the same species.
Mutation
Any permanent change in a gene or chromosome of a cell; may be beneficial or harmful.
Theory
A well-substantiated explanation that incorporates facts, laws, inferences and tested hypotheses.
Evolution
The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
Charles Darwin
An English naturalist and geologist best known for his contributions to evolutionary theory.
Natural Selection
The process by which species adapt to their environment to survive.
Genetics
The study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms.
Heredity
The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.
Reproduction
The biological process by which new individual organisms, called "offspring", are produced from their "parents".
Organism
An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.