Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection EQ: How does evolution occur Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection EQ: How does evolution occur? Date:1-27-16 Spiral pg.

How does Natural Selection work? What important observations did Darwin make on his voyage? What is a theory? How does Natural Selection work?

Darwin’s Observations Darwin made many observations as he sailed the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands: Diversity of living things Fossil bones of animals that died long ago A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an organism that lived in the past. Adaptations, a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment Examples: Bird Beaks

Natural Selection Darwin proposed that evolution occurs through a mechanism called Natural Selection. Natural Selection, individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species

Evolution Darwin’s Reasoning: Darwin’s ideas are referred to as the theory of Evolution Evolution, the gradual change in a species over time A Scientific Theory is a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.

Factors of Natural Selection

Factors of Natural Selection Overproduction: organisms produce more offspring than will survive. EX: sea turtles & insects 2. Variations: differences among individuals. 3. Competition: organisms compete for resources. 4. Selection: those organisms with the best adaptations will survive and reproduce.

Evolution Selective Breeding: The process of modification of a species through human actions which encourage the breeding of certain traits over others Examples: Dogs

Complete on p. 110 in your notebook Over Production Make a Flow Chart To demonstrate The factors of Natural Selection Variations Competition Selection Survival and Reproduction