1. Lynn English High School Ms. Mezzetti
MCAS Review Evolution
Lynn English High School
Ms. Mezzetti

2. MA Standard 5: Evolution and Biodiversity
Central Concepts: Evolution is the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments. Over many generations, changes in the genetic make-up of populations may affect biodiversity through speciation and extinction.

3. Fossils: Remains of plants and animals embedded in rock.
5.1 Explain how evolution is demonstrated by evidence from the fossil record, comparative anatomy, genetics, molecular biology, and examples of natural selection.
Fossils: Remains of plants and animals embedded in rock.
The Fossil record shows definite changes over time

4. 5.1 Evidence for evolution
Comparative Anatomy
In organisms, analogous structures are similar in function but have different evolutionary origins.
Homologous structures have a common evolutionary origin.
Analogous
Homologous

5. Genetic variation contributes to evolution
Molecular biology: Scientists today study proteins and molecules such as DNA to find evolutionary relationships

6. Examples of Natural Selection

7. 5.2 Describe species as reproductively distinct groups of organisms.
Species: An individual belonging to a group of organisms are capable of mating with one another to produce fertile offspring.

8. 5.2: Recognize that species are further classified into a hierarchical taxonomic system based on morphological, behavioral, and molecular similarities.

9. 5.3: Describe the role that geographic isolation can play in speciation.
Geographic isolation is a term that refers to a population of animals, plants, or other organisms that are separated from exchanging genetic material with other organisms of the same species

10. 5.3: Explain how evolution through natural selection can result in changes in biodiversity through the increase or decrease of genetic diversity within a population.