Diversity of life forms Evolution

What is evolution It is the slow process that leads to modification in living organisms These modifications allow them to adapt to changes in their environment. Individuals that have characteristics which give them an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Stages of evolution Stage 0 The giraffe’s predecessors did not have long necks or long legs. The ‘’little giraffes’’ grazed on grass.

Stages of evolution Stage 1 : There is a change in the environment. The grass becomes more rare. More competition between species Some giraffes start eating leaves on trees

Stages of evolution Stage 2 : Individuals in the ‘’small giraffe’’ population are not all identical Some giraffes are slightly bigger and have a slightly longer neck than others.

Stages of evolution Stage 3 : Natural selection occurs The larger giraffes can eat leaves that are higher up on threes. =Better shape = Escape predators more easily = More chance they reproduce

Stages of evolution Stage 4 : The selected characteristics are hereditary A hereditary characteristic is passed down from parents to their young From one generation to the next, the biggest giraffes have had better chances of survival

Stages of evolution Stage 5 : Giraffes have adapted to their new environment Over time, ‘’ small giraffes’’ are replaced by ‘’big giraffes.’’ ‘’Big giraffes’’ became a new species