Download Evidence for Evolution: 02-26

Evidence for Evolution: 03-16
Ch . 15
Background…
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Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution states that
organisms “change over time”.
Natural Selection: “Survival of the Fittest”
states individuals who are better suited (adapted)
to their environment survive and reproduce
more successfully!
Variation: the more variations (differences) in a
species, the more likely it can survive changes in
the environment.
Adaptations: inherited characteristic that
increases chance of survival.
The Evidence:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Fossil Record
Geographical distribution
Homologous body structure
Similarities in embryology/DNA
Activity 1: Homologous Body Structure
…are structures that have different mature
forms but develop from the same type of
tissue.
Color each bone group the same color. For
example all the “humerus bones need to be
the same color”.
Activity 2: Geographic Distribution
• … all over the world we have organisms
that are very similar, yet have adapted to
living in different parts of the world.
• On the right of the diagram, describe two to
three adaptations you notice in these rodent
species.
Activity 3: Fossils
• …ancient remains of animals and plants
provide many clues, especially how they
have changed over time.
• Whales in the Making
• Describe how each fossil transitions into
the next, be very specific and use names and
information on the cards!!!
Activity 4: Embryology and DNA
• Embryos of animals with backbone share
many similarities…due to the fact that
common cells and tissues develop from
similar genes/DNA.
• Paste Diagram.
• On left hand side, describe how there
vertebrate embryos are similar.
Conclusion….what do you think?
• Of the four, which two forms of evidence
provide the strongest support for the theory
of evolution. Explain why?