WHAT ARE SOME THEORIES RELATED TO EVOLUTION? Theories of Evolution WHAT ARE SOME THEORIES RELATED TO EVOLUTION?

Time Frame of Evolution Gradualism Punctuated Equilibrium Slow, continuous change over time. Long periods of stability interrupted by brief periods of change.

Cladograms An evolutionary tree of life enabling us to compare relatedness through ancestry. Most Recent Common Ancestor = Most Similar Line ending abruptly before end of cladogram = Extinct.

Inherited & Acquired Characteristics Inherited Characteristics Acquired Characteristics Part of your DNA; born with this trait. Blue Eyes Tall Freckles Straight Hair Trait developed throughout lifetime. Good Dancer Strong Knowledge of Biology Blue Hair/Hi-lights

Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution (WRONG!!!) Lamarck believed that evolution occurred through the inheritance of acquired characteristics. Organisms developed traits throughout their lives that helped them survive. Beneficial traits were passed on to the offspring of those organisms.

Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution (WRONG!!!) EXAMPLES: Giraffes stretch their necks to help them reach leaves high on the trees, and baby giraffes are born with long necks. If you cut the tail off a mouse, it’s babies will be born without a tail. If you dye your hair blue, your baby will be born with blue hair.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution (RIGHT!!!) Darwin believed that evolution occurred through the process of Natural Selection. Organisms each have unique traits/adaptations that allow them to survive. Only the organisms who have the best traits will survive to pass on their traits to their offspring. (Survival of the Fittest) The Origin of Species: The Making of a Theory