1. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Chapter 16
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

2. 16.1 – Darwin’s epic Journey
Scientific views of the natural world were changing
Darwin 2/12/1809
Was the earth older?
Had it changed?
Evolution – change over time (natural selection)
Common ancestors

3. 16.1 – Darwin’s epic Journey
Started voyage in 1831
Naturalist
Collect and measure specimens of plants and animals
Fossil
Artificial Selection
Master and Commander
Of the Far Side of the World

4. 16.3 Darwin presents his case
Evolution by Natural Selection
16.2 People that influenced Darwin
Remember that Darwin lived in a skeptical age
Many of his ideas…..well
The Struggle for Existence
Variation and Adaptation
Survival of the Fittest
Fitness
Natural Selection – See Fig

6. 16.3 Darwin presents his case
Common Descent
All species, living and extinct are descended from ancient common ancestors

7. 16.4 Evidence of Evolution Biogeography
Where organisms lived now and where they and their ancestors lived in the past.
Closely related but different
Distantly related but similar
Different ancestors

8. 16.4 Evidence for Evolution
The Age of the Earth and Fossils
Determining the earth’s age
Gaps
The Age of the Earth
Radioactive Dating
Issues
Recent Fossil Finds
Trace modern to ancient

9. 16.4 Evidence for Evolution
Comparing Anatomy and Embryology
Homologous Structures
Can be plants or animals
Similar build, different function
Very similar = common ancestor
Vestigial Structures
Inherited but minimal if any function

10. 16.4 Evidence for Evolution
Embryology
Study the embryo including its structure
Similar =? Common ancestor.
Remember Hox Genes?
Genetics and Molecular Biology
DNA the strongest evidence?
Remember that the basis of DNA is the same in us all.