Term Definition

Evolution A cumulative change in the genetically controlled characteristics of a population

Homologous Similar structures found in animals with a common ancestry

Adaptative Evolution The rapid evolutionary diversification of a single ancestral line

Species A group of organisms that interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Define Evolution
- Change in genetic characteristics of a population
- New species arise from pre-existing species
- Adaptation of a population due to natural selection

Outline the incompleteness of the fossil record and the resulting

uncertainties about human evolution
- Few hominid fossils have been found
- Most organisms are not preserved
- Only teeth and bones remain
- Require certain conditions for preservation
- Earlier cultures did not bury the dead
- Acids dissolves teeth and bones
- Many missing intermediate stages of fossils
- Difficult to get conclusive evidence
- Theories change radically with few discoveries

Describe the evidence for evolution provided by the vertebrate

pentadactyl limb
- Comparative anatomy provides evidence for evolution
- Pentadactyl limb is limb-bone pattern found in vertebrates
- Adapted to different functions
- Organs having similar basic structure
- Development as structures in other species said to be homologous
- Homologous anatomical structures derived from a common ancestor
- Are examples of adaptive radiation
- Seal’s forelimbs adapted for swimming, human’s for manipulating

Distinguish between analogous and homologous structures

- Same function/Different function
- Differ in structure/Similar in structure
- Convergent evolution/Divergent evolution
Outline the types of evidence that can be used to support the theory of
evolution
- Fossils: Show species changed over time
- Selective breeding of animals
- Shows selection can cause rapid change
- Homologous structures
- Pentadactyl limbs show common ancestry
- DNA sequences show species diverged

Describe the different types of evidence for evolution

- Geographical distribution: Ring species
- Biochemistry: Cytochrome C
- Fossils: Fossilised horse ancestors
- Homologous structures: Pentadactyl limb
- Recent observed evolution: Resistance to antibiotics

Outline the process of speciation

- An existing population is split
- Reproductive isolation
- Ecological isolation
- Isolation due to geography
- Polyploidy can cause isolation
- Gene pools separated
- Differences in selection cause gene pools to change
- Eventually can no longer interbreed

Describe one example of adaptation by natural selection shown by moths

- Black variety of moth arose as a result of a mutation
- Called polymorphism
- Black form caused by a dominant allele
- Black caused by production of melanin
- Industrial pollution caused death of lichens on trees and rocks
- Many buildings, rocks, and tress became blackened
- Melanic variety became better camouflaged than light form
- Results in less predation by birds
- Black variety increased at the expense of the light variety
- As pollution decreased the lichens recovered and conditions favoured the light form
- Light variety increase at the expense of the dark variety