1. Evolution
Biology

2. Evolution is change over time
THEORY: best explanation science has to offer about where different organisms came from
This theory changes as new scientific information becomes available

3. Scientists of Note – John Lamarck
Early theory that acquired traits (like “big muscles”) could be passed on from parents to offspring
Disproven

5. Charles Darwin Father of modern evolution theory
Formed his theory after traveling around the world on the Beagle
Important stop: Galapagos Islands

6. Darwin’s observations:
Variation: differences between members of the same species
Variation is important to survival!
Why?

7. What causes variation? Mutations
*organisms do not mutate because it will benefit them.

8. Darwin’s observations:
Finches (type of bird)
13 species of finches
Found on different islands
Beak size and shape varied
Ate different food

9. The bird’s with the best beaks were able to survive!

10. Darwin called these mutations or changes ADAPTATIONS
Variety in a species that make it easier to survive

11. Natural Selection
Organisms with traits well suited to the environment survive and reproduce at a greater rate
You have the genes to be successful in your environment or you don’t
Variety already exists, some varieties better fit to environment than others

12. “Survival of the fittest”
If you are better fit for your environment, you will survive
You will reproduce
Over time, population will be more like those that reproduce