EVOLUTION What is it?

MISCONCEPTIONS “Evolution is like a climb up a ladder of progress; organisms are always getting better.” “Evolution is like a climb up a ladder of progress; organisms are always getting better.” “Evolution is a theory about the origin of life.” “Evolution is a theory about the origin of life.” “Evolution means that life changes by chance.” “Evolution means that life changes by chance.”

MISCONCEPTIONS “Evolution is just a theory.” “Evolution is just a theory.” “Gaps in the fossil record disprove evolution.” “Gaps in the fossil record disprove evolution.”

THEORY Everyday Usage vs. Scientific Usage An everyday theory can be defined as a guess or hunch. An everyday theory can be defined as a guess or hunch. A scientific theory is defined as explanations of natural phenomena built up logically from testable observations and hypotheses. A scientific theory is defined as explanations of natural phenomena built up logically from testable observations and hypotheses.

EVOLUTION The theory of evolution explains the diversity of life and how life has become what it is today. It does not explain the origin of life.

EVOLUTION Evolutionary Theory states: Evolutionary Theory states: All life forms (species) have developed from other species. All life forms (species) have developed from other species. All living things are related to one another to varying degrees through common descent (share common ancestors). All living things are related to one another to varying degrees through common descent (share common ancestors). The process by which one species evolves into another involves random inheritable genetic mutations (changes), some of which are more likely to spread and persist in a gene pool than others. These mutations can be an advantage to an organism and its ability to survive! The process by which one species evolves into another involves random inheritable genetic mutations (changes), some of which are more likely to spread and persist in a gene pool than others. These mutations can be an advantage to an organism and its ability to survive!

But… We can ask ourselves We can ask ourselves How did it happen? How did it happen? Who or what does it happen to? Who or what does it happen to? Why does it happen? Why does it happen? How long does it take to happen? How long does it take to happen? Let’s look at the evidence that drives Evolution

Peppered Moth

TWO FLAVORS OF GALAPAGOS TORTOISE HAVE EVOLVED= Natural Selection

GALAPAGOS FINCHES EXHIBIT ADAPTIVE RADIATION

Leaf Mantis

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: HOW BOOBIES, FINCHES, AND PIRATES SHAPED SCIENTIFIC HISTORY

WHERE ARE THEY? WHAT’S IT LIKE THERE? WHY ARE THE ISLANDS THE PLACE TO STUDY EVOLUTION? WHO EVOLVED? WHO CAN WE OBSERVE? WHAT WAS I DOING THERE?

WHERE ARE THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?

WHAT’S IT LIKE THERE?

BOOBIES CO-EVOLVED AND OCCUPY DIFFERENT NICHES

MARINE IGUANAS HAVE ADAPTATIONS FOR LIFE ON THE SALTY SHORE

SAILORS BROUGHT GOATS THAT OUTCOMPETE NATIVE TORTOISES

INVASIVE RED QUININE OUTCOMPETES NATIVE VEGETATION

EVOLUTION Charles Darwin Took a five year voyage around the world ( ) on the H. M. S. Beagle as the ship Naturalist. Took a five year voyage around the world ( ) on the H. M. S. Beagle as the ship Naturalist. Collected animal specimens and observed patterns of diversity. Collected animal specimens and observed patterns of diversity. Collected fossils of ancient organisms. Collected fossils of ancient organisms. Visited Galapagos Islands. Observed that although close together, the islands had very different climates. The characteristics of many animals and plants varied among the different islands. Visited Galapagos Islands. Observed that although close together, the islands had very different climates. The characteristics of many animals and plants varied among the different islands.

Evolution definition Changes that occur in populations over time Changes that occur in populations over time

Evolution by Natural Selection Natural Selection: Individuals that have physical or behavioral traits that better suit their environment will be more likely to survive AND reproduce! Natural Selection: Individuals that have physical or behavioral traits that better suit their environment will be more likely to survive AND reproduce! Adaptation: an inherited trait that has become more common in a population because the trait provides an advantage. Adaptation: an inherited trait that has become more common in a population because the trait provides an advantage.

PBS Video: Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Natural Selection examples: Natural Selection examples: hummingbirds and mantis hummingbirds and mantis hummingbirds and mantis hummingbirds and mantis HIV virus HIV virus HIV virus HIV virus Darwin's evolution game Darwin's evolution game Darwin's evolution game Darwin's evolution game Peppered moth Peppered moth Peppered moth Peppered moth