1. Evidence of Evolution

2. What is evolution? Definition: – The gradual change in a species over time Takes a Looooong time Results from a change in the GENETIC material of an organism – Not acted on at the individual level – Passed on from one generation to the next

3. What is a theory? Based on a careful examination of facts Well supported explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.

4. What evidence do we have for evolution? Similarities of structures in living things – Analogous Structures – Homologous Structures – Embryo development (early stages) – Vestigial Organs Shared Ancestry – The fossil record – Biogeography

5. Analogous Structures Similar function – Ex. Used to fly Different structure – Ex. Different arrangement of bones Different origins – Do not have a common ancestor

6. Homologous Structures Different function – Adapted to different purposes – Humans arm is used differently than a whales fin Similar structure – Same basic arrangement of bones Same origin – Common ancestor

7. Embryology Embryos develop similarly in many vertebrates

8. Vestigial Structures Inherited structures that no longer serve a function for the organism Examples – Hipbone in dolphin/whale – Our appendix – Our wisdom teeth

9. Shared Ancestry – The fossil record – Biogeography

10. The Fossil Record Found fossils that show slow progression of change More found since Darwin

11. Biogeography Found animals in isolated islands or environments that ended up being perfect for that area after generations Where they are now compared to then – Patterns in different places tell how organisms evolved – Populations on different islands all look different… Originate from a mainland Ever hear of the Galapagos Islands?

12. Ex: Galapagos Islands South America Darwin = populations on islands evolved from mainland species

13. Change over time… Depending on the food source and environment, different birds survived and changed to best fit each island

14. Situations One of the islands on the Galapagos has a relatively large mountain system on it. Because of it, there is a lot of crack and tight spaces things fit in. As for seeds birds eat, they often fall into the think cracks. Which bird is most likely the one that thrives there? Why?

15. Natural Selection Darwin’s Finches – Beak specialties – Common ancestor – Natural selection takes place frequently and rapidly – Variation increases chance of adaptation