Evidence for Evolution: Ch. 15

Background… Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution states that organisms “change over time”. Natural Selection: “Survival of the Fittest” states individuals who are better suited (adapted) to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully! Variation: the more variations (differences) in a species, the more likely it can survive changes in the environment. Adaptations: inherited characteristic that increases chance of survival.

The Evidence: 1.The Fossil Record 2.Geographical distribution 3.Homologous body structure 4.Similarities in embryology/DNA

Activity 1: Homologous Body Structure …are structures that have different mature forms but develop from the same type of tissue. Color each bone group the same color. For example all the “humerus bones need to be the same color”.

Activity 2: Geographic Distribution … all over the world we have organisms that are very similar, yet have adapted to living in different parts of the world. On the right of the diagram, describe two to three adaptations you notice in these rodent species.

Activity 3: Fossils …ancient remains of animals and plants provide many clues, especially how they have changed over time. Whales in the Making Describe how each fossil transitions into the next, be very specific and use names and information on the cards!!!

Activity 4: Embryology and DNA Embryos of animals with backbone share many similarities…due to the fact that common cells and tissues develop from similar genes/DNA. Paste Diagram. On left hand side, describe how there vertebrate embryos are similar.

Conclusion….what do you think? Of the four, which two forms of evidence provide the strongest support for the theory of evolution. Explain why?