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Evolution Essay #1
Name __________________
Directions: Answer the following questions. You may use your book, notes, and your own
research. If you do your own research, please make sure that the resources you are using are
reputable and based on scientific research.
Due: Thursday, September 11, 2014
1. Charles Darwin proposed that evolution by natural selection was the basis for the
differences that he saw in similar organisms as he traveled and collected specimens in
South America and on the Galapagos Islands. Explain the theory of evolution by natural
selection as presented by Darwin.
2. Evolution by natural selection has been able to explain both the unity and diversity of life on
Earth. Discuss how natural selection explains the following phenomenon and cite an
example for each:
a. Mimicry
b. Convergent evolution
3. Compare and contrast artificial selection and natural selection. Explain how the former was
useful to Darwin in his thinking about evolution. Cite examples of artificial selection.
4. Explain how the fossil record supports the principle of evolution by natural selection.
5. Much of the power of the theory evolution is its ability to provide a sensible framework for
understanding the diversity of life.
a. The illustration below shows the forelimbs of a variety of mammals. Describe the
diagram and explain how this serves as evidence for evolution by natural selection.
b. The illustration below shows the skeleton of a whale. Describe the diagram and explain
how the structure in the smaller box serves as evidence for evolution by natural selection.
Evolution Essay #1
Name __________________
6. Are natural populations ever in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? List and explain each of the
assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and compare each with the actual situation in
natural populations. Cite examples to support your argument.