KEY CONCEPT Darwin’s voyage provided insight on evolution.

Charles Darwin – The “father” of Evolution

Overview All life formed from a single common ancestor Life forms change by adapting the best features to survive in their environment The “fittest” survive to pass the new adaptation (genetic traits) to their offspring The mechanism is Natural Selection

Life on Earth has Unity and Diversity All of Earth's life forms are related and function universally the same way. All species evolved from a single common ancestor at life’s origination 3.5 bya. >200 million living species on Earth

Voyage of The Beagle 1835: Darwin describes species of the Galapagos Islands

Darwin observed differences among island species. Variation is a difference in a physical trait. Galápagos tortoises that live in areas with tall plants have long necks and legs. Galápagos finches that live in areas with hard-shelled nuts have strong beaks.

Species are able to adapt for survival in their environment. An adaptations is a feature that allow an organism to better survive in its environment and mate. Species are able to adapt for survival in their environment. Competition for resources Forage/ Hunt to Eat, Attract mates to Reproduce, Defense Adaptations can lead to genetic change in a population.

Darwin observed fossil and geologic evidence supporting an ancient Earth. Darwin found fossils of extinct animals that resemble modern animals. Darwin found fossil shells high up in the Andes mountains.

He saw land move from underwater to above sea level, due to an earthquake. Darwin extended his observations to the evolution of organisms.