1. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

2. Natural Selection
Darwin proposed that evolution occurs through natural selection
The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species

3. Reproduction
2. A group of organisms that can mate with each other and produce fertile offspring is called a species.
Genus is general
Species is specific

4. There are three main causes of natural selection
1. Overproduction: More offspring that can survive

5. There are three main causes of natural selection
2. Competition: Limited amount of food and resources for a number of individuals; both between the same species and different species

6. There are three main causes of natural selection
3. Variation: Differences between individuals of the same species

7. Studying the past
3. We are able to study organisms from the past by looking at fossils
Preserved remains or traces of an organism

8. Survival of the Fittest
9. A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce is an adaptation.

9. Adaptations

10. b. Insect Eater a. Seed Eater
7/8. Which Beak is Best?
b. Insect Eater
a. Seed Eater

11. Evidence of Evolution
The Theory of Evolution is supported by evidence in:
Fossils
Patterns of early development
Similar body structure

12. Similarities in Organisms
2. opossums, chickens, salamanders and fish all have similar internal bone structures
3. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are in one group because they all have a backbone - vertebrates

13. It’s in the DNA
4. The more closely related species are, the more similar their DNA sequence

14. How do new species form?
When a group of individuals remain isolated from the rest of its species long enough to evolve different traits a new species form