EVIDENCES

MDQ1 How do we know populations are changing?

Define evolution as the process of change in populations of organisms over geological periods of time, in branching lines of descent from a simpler common ancestor.

An overview of evolution

In biology, evolution is the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection. It is based on the concept that all life on earth came from a simple common ancestor across a long period of geologic time.

The theory of evolution is based on the idea that all species are related and gradually change over time.
Evolution relies on genetic variation in a population, which affects the physical characteristics (phenotype) of an organism.
Some of these characteristics may give the individual an advantage over other individuals which they can then pass on to their offspring.

Evolutionary theory has two main points:

all life on Earth is connected and related to each other, coming in branching lines of descent from a common ancestor
the diversity of life is a product of modifications of populations by natural selection, where some traits were favoured in and environment over others

MDQ2 Why do giraffes have long necks?

a) What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Evolution by natural selection is one of the best substantiated theories in the history of science, supported by evidence from a wide variety of scientific areas, including paleontology, geology, genetics and developmental biology.

Some of the evidences are listed below (there are more):

DNA evidence
similar chemistry
similar structures
similar embryos
biogeographical data
fossil records

ACTIVITY 1: DNA

Research %DNA in common with humans for a variety of living things (eg plants, fruit, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, dolphins, apes / monkeys)
Prepare a graph to demonstrate similarities and differences
Write a DDL into your notebook: DNA supports the theory of evolution (living things have changed from a simple common ancestor to become different and more complex over time). True or False. Defend your position.

ACTIVITY 2: Similar Chemistry

Complete the practical activity
Write a DDL into your interactive notebook: Similar chemistry supports the theory of evolution (living things have changed from a simple common ancestor to become different and more complex over time). True or False. Defend your position.

ACTIVITY 3: Similar Structures

Complete the activity to the right
Write a DDL into your interactive notebook: Similar structures support the theory of evolution (living things have changed from a simple common ancestor to become different and more complex over time). True or False. Defend your position.

10 WDWCF 4b Homologous Structures Act.docx

ACTIVITY 4: Similar Embryos

View the PPT and match the embryos to the adult forms
How do these facts support the theory of evolution?

ACTIVITY 5: Biogeographical data

Read the data sheet to the right
Complete the activities
How do these facts support the theory of evolution?

10 WDWCF 4c Biogeo T Res2.docx

ACTIVITY 6: The fossil record

Watch the PPT (below) and/or read the information sheet (below right)
Complete the practical activity
Complete the worksheet activities
Write a DDL into your interactive notebook: The fossil record supports the theory of evolution (living things have changed from a simple common ancestor to become different and more complex over time). True or False. Defend your position.