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Evidence for Evolution Review (what we’ve learned so far) Mutations provide variability within species Some traits give individuals within a species an advantage - those organisms live longer and/or reproduce more = natural selection Over time, the population shifts so the all (or most) individuals have this trait = adaptation Evolution of a whole new species (speciation) takes long periods of time
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Main evidence for evolution 1. Comparing Embryology 2. Anatomy 1. Homologous Structures 2. Vestigial Structures 3. Analogous Structures 3. Fossils 4. DNA
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1. Embryology Definition: The study of the early development of organisms. Early stages of related animals are very similar More closely related = more similar More closely related = more similar These similarities suggest evolution from a common ancestor.
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1. Embryology How are these similar? What do they have in common?
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Comparative Embryology of Vertebrates
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Embryo Structures
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2. ANATOMY Homologous Structures Vestigial Structures Analogous Structures *Use anatomy (or the structure or body of the organism)
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Homologous Structures Definition: Structures that are similar in structure and perform the same function. Trait provides evidence that the organisms had a shared common ancestor with that trait Homologous bone structure in forelimbs of all mammals
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Vestigial Structures As species evolve over time… some structures become unnecessary to survival of organism Over time become reduced (vestiges) Eventually disappear Definiton: Structures that are present in the body but do NOT do any job. http://www.livescience.com/animalhttp://www.livescience.com/animalworld/top 10_vestigial_organs.html http://www.livescience.com/animal
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Vestigial Structures Human Examples Plica Semilunaris Plica Semilunaris Vermiform Appendix Vermiform Appendix Ear Muscles Ear Muscles
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Vestigial Structures Human Examples Wisdom Teeth Wisdom Teeth Coccyx Coccyx
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Vestigial Structures Other Animals Pelvic Bones in the Whale and Snake Pelvic Bones in the Whale and Snake Wings of Flightless Birds Wings of Flightless Birds
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Analogous Structures Structures that are NOT similar in structure but they do the same job. Examples: Wings of Butterfly and Bird Wings of Butterfly and Bird Legs of Grasshopper and Rabbit Legs of Grasshopper and Rabbit
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Fossils The bulk of our understanding about ancient life Bacterial cells to complete T. rex skeletons How are fossils formed? (Short video) http://www.teachersdomai n.org/6- 8/sci/life/div/becfossil/inde x.html http://www.teachersdomai n.org/6- 8/sci/life/div/becfossil/inde x.html
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Fossil Questions 1. How are fossils formed? Organism covered by sediments (mud, sand, silt, clay, ash) Organism covered by sediments (mud, sand, silt, clay, ash) Calcium replaced by minerals in the sediments over time Calcium replaced by minerals in the sediments over time Sometimes imprints can also be preserved (tracks, leaf impressions, etc.) Sometimes imprints can also be preserved (tracks, leaf impressions, etc.)
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Fossil Questions, cont. 2. Why do most living things not leave fossils behind? Organism was eaten Didn’t die in correct environment to be preserved Body has no ‘hard parts’ (shell, skeleton) Virtually absent from fossil record: amoebae, flatworms, jellyfish, sea slugs, etc.) Virtually absent from fossil record: amoebae, flatworms, jellyfish, sea slugs, etc.)
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Fossil Questions, cont. 3. How are fossils uncovered? Erosion brings fossils back to surface Humans dig to find fossils Determine specific locations that are likely spots to hold fossilsDetermine specific locations that are likely spots to hold fossils
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Fossil Questions, cont. 4. How do scientists determine the age of fossils? Technique known as: 1) Relative Dating – 2) Radioactive Dating http://www.teachersdomain.org/6-8/sci/life/div/radiodating/index.html
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Transitional Fossils A.k.a. Intermediate fossils Provide a link between past forms of an organism
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Transitional Fossils: Orca example We’ve believed for a long time that whales (and seals, otters, etc) were mammals because they share COMMON FEATURES with land mammals 1. Warm-blooded (endothermic) 2. Give live birth and provide milk for young 3. Have hair 4. Similar respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems
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Transitional Fossils - Whales Modern whale – totally aquatic Nostrils on top of head = blowhole Tail evolved into flipper Ears modified directional hearing underwater Basilosaurus – clearly aquatic Sturdy flippers & long, flexible body Still has small, weak hind legs Nostrils on top of head Ambulocetus – amphibious (both land and water) Forelimbs equipped with fingers/small hooves Hind feet and tail adapted for swimming Nostrils on top of snout Mesocynids– terrestrial Tetrapod – limbs adapted to moving on land Ears adapted to hearing in air Nostrils in front of snout
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Gaps in Fossil Record Fossils for 350,000 species of ancient organisms 0nly a tiny fraction of total! 0nly a tiny fraction of total! Fill in the ‘gaps’ using logical reasoning and other lines of evidence
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Geographic Distribution on Organisms around the world Similar environments around the world contain organisms that are DIFFERENT species but have similar anatomies and/or behaviors Similar selective pressures lead to common structures and or behaviors that aid survival and/or reproduction Example: meerkats and prairie dogs
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Another example of Geographic Distribution Beaver Muskrat Beaver and Muskrat Coypu Capybara Coypu and Capabara
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Geographic Distribution, cont. Additionally, organisms from common ancestor will change in structure and function to adapt to their specific environment Prime example: islands! –the more isolated the island, the more distinct its organisms
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Artificial Selection When humans breed organisms with desired trait repeatedly until desired affect is reached Plant and animal breeders have long taken advantage of the heritability of traits to improve crops and livestock and pets Humans use the same mechanisms to change organisms that nature uses Artificial – humans ‘select’ the best traits Artificial – humans ‘select’ the best traits Natural – nature ‘selects’ most best, or ‘most fit’ traits Natural – nature ‘selects’ most best, or ‘most fit’ traits
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Artificial Selection Examples Hundreds of varieties of peppers – all originated from an initial species Different breeds of dogs and cats ‘created’ by man by selecting for desirable traits (fast, sociable, good smell, short fur, etc.)
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Comparative Analysis of DNA If all organisms evolved from same original ancestors (3.5 bya), then all should share come common DNA YES! all life shares same general machinery for regulation of cell division, building cell parts, etc. Greater similarity between 2 species = more recent common ancestor
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