Download Ecology Unit Outline

Evolution: Darwin’s Theory to Molecular Evidence
Required Reading:
Miller and Levine, Biology, chapter 18, 15, & 16.
Vocabulary
Below is a list of all of the biology vocabulary terms used in the Unit. By the end of the Unit, you will be
able to write a working definition of each term and correctly use each term.
adaptation
founder effect
Phylum
artificial selection
gene pool
polygenic trait
behavioral isolation
genetic equilibrium
relative frequency
Binomial nomenclature
genetic drift
reproductive isolation
class
Genus
species
common descent
geographic isolation
single-gene trait
descent with modification
Hardy-Weinberg principle
speciation
directional selection
homologous structures
stabilizing selection
disruptive selection
Kingom
survival of the fittest
Evolution
Lamarck
taxonomy
Domain
Lyell
temporal isolation
Family
fitness
Malthus
natural selection
theory
vestigial organ
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order
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Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Content Standards
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.
5.1
5.2
5.3
Explain how evolution is demonstrated by evidence from the fossil record, comparative
anatomy, genetics, molecular biology, and examples of natural selection.
Describe species as reproductively distinct groups of organisms. Recognize that species are
further classified into a hierarchical taxonomic system (kingdom, phylum, class, order, family,
genus, species) based on morphological, behavioral, and molecular similarities. Describe the
role that geographic isolation can play in speciation.
Explain how evolution through natural selection can result in changes in biodiversity through
the increase or decrease of genetic diversity within a population.
Unit Objectives By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
Classification (Chapter 18)
1. Explain how living things are organized/classified for study. D K  P  C  O F  G S
2. Explain what a binomial nomenclature is and how it is correctly written.
Evolution (Chapter 15 & 16)
3. Define the Theory of Evolution.
4. Who was Charles Darwin? What did he do? What are his accomplishments?
5. Describe early explanations of change/evolution?
a. Hutton/Lyell
b. Lamarck (What was wrong with his ideas?)
c. Malthus
6. Distinguish between inherited variation from artificial selection
7. Be able to discuss the idea of Natural Selection with regard to:
a. fitness
b. adaptation
c. descent with modification
8. Describe proof of and examples for evolution.
a. Fossil Record
b. Geographic Distribution
c. Similarities: Embryology, Chemical Compounds, Body Structure
9. Define Evolution in Genetic Terms (Modern Synthesis Theory-pg 394)
10. Describe the 3 ways that Natural Selection can affect Genotype:
a. Directional Selection
b. Disruptive Selection
c. Stabilizing Selection
11. Explain Genetic Drift:
a. Founder Effect
b. Bottleneck
12. Describe the basis of Genetic Equilibrium
a. Hardy-Weinberg Principle
b. Five conditions for Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium
13. Explain the process of Speciation
14. Explain how the following isolating mechanisms lead to speciation:
a. Reproductive Isolation
c. Temporal Isolation
b. Geographic Isolation
d. Behavioral Isolation
Outside Class Assignments
Thoughtfully do each of the following assignments. Include all your reasoning and work wherever it
seems appropriate due dates for each assignment will be given in class.
1. Many people think that Charles Darwin sailed to the Galapagos Islands, saw some weird stuff like
finches with different shapes of beaks and huge tortoises with deformed shells, and then went
home and wrote his book, “The Origin of Species”.
a. Read the excerpts from the diary Darwin kept during his voyage. Follow his course using the
latitude and longitude coordinates provided. Using the map provided, place a dot on the map at
each location noted and the date he was there.
b. What was the object of Darwin’s Expedition?
c. How long did his voyage last? (Hint look at the dates!)
d. Describe one thing Darwin observed in Buenos Aires, Concepción, Chile & the Galapagos
Islands, Ecuador. Explain how the observation you selected supports Darwin’s Theory of
evolution.
2. Read Chapter 15.1 & 15.2 (pgs 369-377) of your textbook. Complete Unit Objectives #3-5. Please
use complete sentences. This will be collected and graded.
3. Read Chapter 15.3 (pgs 378-386) of your textbook. Complete Unit Objectives #6-9. Please use
complete sentences. This will be collected and graded.
4. Darwin developed and refined his ideas by reflecting on the artificial selection methods he saw
farmers and livestock breeders use. Artificial selection has been pushed very far in domesticated
dogs. To get a sense of just how much dog breeds vary, go to
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/dogs/world.html and complete the “Dogs Around the World”
interactive program. Match the dogs and their roles. List three roles that dogs have been bred for
on three different continents.
5. Read Chapter 16.1 & 16.2 (pgs 393-402). Complete Unit Objectives #10-12. Please use complete
sentences. This will be collected and graded.
6. Read chapter 16.3 (pgs 404-410). Complete Unit Objectives #13-14. Please use complete
sentences. This will be collected and graded.
7. The chemical arsenal we have developed in an attempt to rid our homes of rodents and our crops
of insects is losing its power. We have simply caused pest populations to evolve, unintentionally
applying artificial selection in the form of pesticides. Explain how humans have caused pest, such
as bed bugs, to be resistant to chemicals.