Student Dance Committee Meeting Wed. 4/10 3:30-4:30 Tuesday, April 9th Warm-Up Choose ONE question: Why do birds have different beaks? What happens to organisms that cannot adapt to their environment? What marks the end of an Era? Agenda Moth Hunt Notes on Evidence of Evolution Start Study Guide Homework Work on Study Guide – Due Thurs 4/11

Moth Hunt Rules Once we switch classes, you will have 3 minutes to catch up to 2 moths. Look all around the room and remove a moth if you see one. Do not tell others where to find the moths. Moths should not be higher or lower than the cabinets/lab counters. If you cannot reach a moth, ask before you climb on anything. If you find 1 or 2 moths, then you survive  If you do not find any moths, then you die 

Evidence of Evolution

Theory of Evolution Review Organisms develop adaptations to their environment in order to survive. The better suited they are to the environment, the longer they will survive (“Survival of the Fittest”). Those adaptations or traits are genetically passed down to their offspring. So, why do these traits vary or differ among members of the same species?

Genetic Variation The characteristics that make members of the same species different from one another. Variation: different forms of a trait.

How Do We Know Evolution Has Occurred? Supported by fossil evidence Fossils: Preserved remains or traces of living things.

Fossils

How Do We Know Evolution Has Occurred? Fossils Provide a record of life on earth Comparison of organisms living today and organisms in the fossil record enable the reconstruction of evolutionary history.

Evidence of Evolution Embryology Developing embryos of different animals have similar characteristics. These similarities hint at the genes inherited by common ancestors.

Evidence of Evolution Comparative Anatomy - Analysis of body structures of two or more species that provides insight into the genetic/biological similarities and differences across species.

Evidence of Evolution Homologous Structures - Similar body structures or systems with the same evolutionary origin. May or may not have same function The structure gradually changes in animals to better suit their environment.

Homologous Structures Example: The humerus bone in these animals are the same, but have changed over time to better suit their environment (arms, wings, or fins).

Evidence of Evolution Vestigial Structures Have no apparent or lesser function Suggest the loss of the original function through evolution

Vestigial Structures Example: The pelvis (hip) and femur (leg) bones appear in organisms of many species, despite the function of these bones. The salamander still uses these bones today, but does the whale and snake? Why would the whale and snake still have these bones but not use them?

Wednesday, April 10th Warm-Up Pick up a half-sheet from the Apple Tray. Answer the questions on the front about the Horse Fossils and the questions about Embryology on the back.

Embryology Fish Salamander Tortoise Chicken Rabbit Human