Why Does A Polar Bear: a) Have White Fur? b) Have Black Skin? c) Have a Large Body? Polar Bear - U rsus maritimus

To blend with habitat White Fur? Black Skin? Large Body? Why is this important? Better heat absorption from the sun IT IS EVOLUTION!!! To eat large prey (seals)

EVOLUTION UNIT

What does the word E volution mean to you?

Species Organisms in a population that produce fertile offspring Adaptation Genetic trait that increases chances of survival Variation Differences between individuals of a population Niche The function a species plays in its habitat Some Definitions Term Definition

Which of the following is a closely-related modern descendent of the T-rex? Alligators evolved from the T. rex, but the closest living relatives of the dinosaur, according to biochemistry, are ostriches and chickens.

MISCONCEPTION: Scientific theories are more like hypotheses and are supported like scientific laws. Hypothesis: Is a suggested explanation of observations, which can be tested by further research or experiments. Theory: Is a set of statements that explains a group of facts or phenomena. The statements have been tested repeatedly and are supported by evidence. Introductory Activity (LMC-4)

Charles Darwin developed a theory to explain the diversity of life. A theory is a set of statements that explains a group of facts or phenomena. These statements have been tested repeatedly and are supported by evidence. Darwin’s theory of evolution suggests that all of today’s species are descendents of ancient species. Theories have developed with contributions from many scientists; and changed as a result of new technologies.

Before Darwin, there were two prominent beliefs about the diversity of life on Earth. All species were the same as they had always been. Earth, and its species, were less than years old, and were relatively unchanged.

Charles Darwin’s ideas have upset many people since he first proposed them. The theory of evolution helps us understand the diversity of life: Steps Leading Up to Charles Darwin’s Theory

Scientists Contributions to the Theory of Evolution

? How Was This Theory Formed? Darwin's Voyage The HMS Beagle, travelled to South America in 1831 Da rwin collected samples and specimens, and wrote extensively in his journals.

He noticed three patterns on his journey: Galapagos finches appeared to be descendents of a common ancestor, but each species had unique beaks for their niche. 1) Species varied, but there were similarities between some species such as emus, ostriches, and rheas. 2) Species varied, especially on islands, as similar species in different habitats had different features, such as the finches of the Galapagos Islands. 3) Species varied, which Darwin noted while studying fossils on his journey. GLOBALLY LOCALLY OVER TIME

Darwin Movie Questions 1. Who was Charles Darwin? (3 points) 2. What islands helped Darwin make his theory? Give 1 reason describing what they did to help him? 3. What is the central idea to Evolutionary Theory? (1 point) 4. Why did Darwin take so long to publish his theory? (2 reasons) 5. What is Darwin's central 'mechanism' that describes Evolutionary Theory?

Tree of Life Video Timeline Graph

Basic Timeline of Life

Evolution tells us how life forms have changed over time What does Evolution tell us? What did Charles Darwin conclude? Nature Selects the most fit organisms to survive

Quick Write Questions? 1. What does 'evolution' mean for biological life? 2. Why doe Charles Darwin believe life has a single, common ancestor?