1. Theory of Evolution
Any information that IS NOT in your booklet, write it in. If you already have this information, then just listen

2. Theory of Evolution
Evolution: the process in which populations gradually change over time.
Population: all of the individuals of a species that live together in an area
The theory of evolution was developed by a man named Charles Darwin.

3. Charles Darwin
Darwin collected birds from the Galapagos Islands. He noticed that the birds on various islands differed slightly, but he realized they were all finches. The most obvious difference between them was the shape of their beaks. This was most likely due to their diets.

4. What else influenced Darwin’s ideas?
Organisms pass on traits to their offspring. A trait is a form of an inherited characteristic (Ex: a bird’s feather size)
Humans select certain animals and plants to breed based on desired traits. We call this artificial selection.

5. Natural Selection
Darwin proposed that most evolution happens through natural selection.
Natural Selection is the process by which organisms that inherit advantageous (helpful, most useful, strongest) traits tend to reproduce more successfully than others.
Within species, there are natural differences. We call this variation. (Ex: two jaguars can have different jaw sizes, dogs can have different color fur)

6. Adaptation
An adaptation is an inherited trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. Adaptations can help organisms to reproduce, find food, protect itself etc.
(Ex: A large jaw size helped jaguars survive when food was hard to find)
What adaptations does this frog have to help it survive?

7. Extinction
Some species may not adapt well to their environment as it changes. If adaptation is not taking place, then it may become difficult for a species to survive.
Extinction is when all of the members of a species have died. Competition, predators, environmental changes, and loss of habitat can lead to extinction.

8. Reflection (Left Side)
Write a paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) answering the following questions. Make sure to write in complete sentences. Underline vocabulary words that you use.
Why do organisms change over time?
How have organisms changed over time?
What is an example of a species changing over time to adapt to its environment?