3.4 Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection as a mechanism for how species change over time.
Fossil Evidence of Evolution- A fossil is the remnant of a long dead organism that has been preserved by natural means. Paleontologists, the scientists who study fossils, can determine when this animal or species was alive and what ind of environment it lived in. Relating how the environment changed over time to how the species changed over time supports evolution. Two organisms with a common ancestor that live in different regions can show how environment can affect adaptions.
Biochemical Evidence of Evolution- Comparing DNA sequences of different species can show relation between them. The more similar the pattern of bases, the more closely related the species are. An example would be that almost all the genes found in a mouse are also found in a human. Even though the two organisms appear so different, they are genetically very similar. Anatomical Evidence of Evolution- Comparing the structures of organisms can show common ancestry. Analogous structures are structures that have similar functions but are built differently. An example would be a bird's wing and the wing of a butterfly. Both are used for flight but they look completely different. Homologous structures are structure that are built the same way even though they may have different functions. An example would be a bats wing compared to the human hand. Similarities in development can also be a sign of relation between species |
Evolution - change in a species over time.
Natural Selection- Organisms that are more adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce, passing on their genes and traits. |
Though many people believe the theory of evolution, there are just as many that do not. Evolution is a topic of debate throughout the international science community.
Works Cited
Biology 4 Kids. "Biology4Kids.com: Microorganisms." Rader's BIOLOGY 4 KIDS.COM - Biology Basics for Everyone!. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
Class Zone. "Many types of evidence support evolution." Class Zone. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
Edwards, Logan, and Sophie Walton. "Biology Standards." Biology Standards. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
"Evolution and the Fossil Record by John Pojeta, Jr. and Dale A. Springer." American Geosciences Institute - Serving the Geosciences Since 1948. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
"Interactive Eukaryotic Cell Model." CELLS Alive!. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
NHPTV. "Ecosystems - NatureWorks." New Hampshire Public Television | Engage. Connect. Celebrate. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
North Carolina Public Schools. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
Works Cited
Biology 4 Kids. "Biology4Kids.com: Microorganisms." Rader's BIOLOGY 4 KIDS.COM - Biology Basics for Everyone!. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
Class Zone. "Many types of evidence support evolution." Class Zone. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
Edwards, Logan, and Sophie Walton. "Biology Standards." Biology Standards. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
"Evolution and the Fossil Record by John Pojeta, Jr. and Dale A. Springer." American Geosciences Institute - Serving the Geosciences Since 1948. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
"Interactive Eukaryotic Cell Model." CELLS Alive!. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
NHPTV. "Ecosystems - NatureWorks." New Hampshire Public Television | Engage. Connect. Celebrate. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
North Carolina Public Schools. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.