Answerthis question:
What is evolution?
Evolution
Chapter 10
Evolution
Evolution, or change over time, is
the process by which modern
organisms have descended from
ancient organisms.
Voyage of the Beagle
• Asked:
Why were there no rabbits in Australia,
despite the presence of habitats that
seemed perfect for them?
Examples:
Some cows gave more milk than others & some
plants bore larger fruit than others.
Darwin’s Arguments
Example:
Baby birds compete for food in the nest. The
stronger bird may take food from the weaker
siblings.
Stipulations of Natural Selection
1) Lots of offspring:
In nature, organisms produce more offspring than can possibly survive.
2) Variation:
In any population, individuals will have slight differences in their
phenotypes.
3) Heredity:
Variations due to genetics are passed on.
4) Fitness
Some organisms will have traits better suited for their environment and
will survive more than those without it.
These organisms reproduce more and eventually the population looks
more like those with the advantageous traits.
Evolution by Natural Selection
Descent with Modification: Principle that each
living species has descended, with changes,
from other species over time.
Examples:
1. Snake Pelvis: The pelvis is the attachment
point for legs and is therefore nonfunctional in
an animal without legs
Vestigial Structures
2. Kiwi Wing: The wings of kiwis are too small to
be of any use in flight