Charles Darwin and Evolution

Early Years Nature studies Beetle collection Catalogued pigeon breeds Didn’t complete medical school Trained as a minister in Church of England His father and grandfather mentioned evolution Unpaid position naturalist HMS Beagle Survey parts of the world Draw biological specimens – catalogue and prepare

Beagle voyage Fossil shells on cliffs – different places same fossils Different herbivores and carnivores – different continents Large fossils bones of extinct animals resembled living animals Witnessed earthquake and noticed earth movements – quick environmental changes

Beagle voyage Galapagos Islands – unique animals with similarities to South America Each Island Galapagos different finches Beak shape and food source - relationship

Darwin’s theory Darwin studied specimens from the Beagle voyage and made rigorous observations Reluctant to publish findings – could cause trouble Alfred Russel Wallace – same ideas Darwin’s ideas published – based on 30 years of study Now know as the theory of evolution Natural selection and survival of the fittest

Evidence for evolution Palaeontology - study of fossils Older fossils simpler – younger more complex Palaeontology

Geographical distribution Each continent has its own characteristic types of plants and animals Different continents different animals and plants fill a similar niche

Comparative anatomy The study of similarities and differences in body structures Best example limbs of vertebrates

Comparative embryology The study of embryos Vertebrate embryos are similar during their early development

Genetic sources Similarities and differences in the genetic code