Evolution To see where we might be going, we must understand where we have been Robert Tamarkin, 1993

What is Evolution ? Theory supported by evidence Biological evolution - changes in living organisms Sharing of common ancestors (branched tree of life) Darwin term: descent with modification

Evidence of Evolution

Formation of the Earth 4.6 billion years old (by radiometric dating) About 30ish main elements and molecules important to life – oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, Sulphur and phosphorus. present in early Earth- amino acids, RNA, DNA, Phosphorus, ATP

1. Earth is Old: Fossils Fossils: the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.

TO DO: With your partner decide on 3 things about fossils that support the theory of evolution List and share-

Fossil Record Supports Evolution Billions of fossils have been discovered Fossil record shows changes of organisms through time from simple to more complex. Documents the order of appearance of groups and types of organisms Transitional Species – intermediate from one form to another. Index fossils –fossils that are known to only occur within a very specific age range. Documents major changes in Earth’s History.

Index Species * only occur within a very specific age range. widespread geographic distribution such as brachiopods, trilobites, and ammonites work best as index fossils. If the fossil you are trying to date occurs alongside one of these index fossils, then the fossil falls into the age range of the index fossil.   

Choose and one of the following Fish to Land Evolution MUST Include and Show A Title for the Project: Example: From Land to Water: The Evolution of whales and dolphins The organisms (at least 5) Name and Drawing or Printed copy involved in the transition from one type of environment to another The derived characters list that allowed for the adaptation that allows for life in the new environment The Era and Period for each of the organisms shown with dates Any other pertinent information Short presentation to teacher(s) 20 points Extra Credit: Index Species living in each of the time periods Rough Draft Due: April 5th Friday Partner Project Choose and one of the following Fish to Land Evolution Reptile to Bird Evolution Ape to Human Synapsis to Mammals Land Mammals to Whales or Dolphins Protohorses to Horses

Transitional Fossils http://www.transitionalfossils.com/

From Land to Water Tiktaalik - transition between fish and tetrapods (four-legged) -marks the appearance of limbs in fish – - lived about 12 million years before the fist tetrapod- 363 million years old Has gills, scales, no neck (like fish) But – head is crocodile-like and strong hind limbs