5.

1 Evidence for evolution

Essential idea: There is overwhelming

evidence for the evolution of life on Earth.

This image of a fossilised primitive vascular plant called a horsetail. Fossils are just
one example of evidence for evolution along with homologous structures, the
universality of DNA, and antibiotic resistance.

By Chris Paine
https://bioknowledgy.weebly.com/
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/009/cu
stom/993_1280x1024-wallpaper-cb1425504376.
Understandings, Applications and Skills
Statement Guidance
5.1.U1 Evolution occurs when heritable characteristics of
a species change.
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
5.1.U3 Selective breeding of domesticated animals shows
that artificial selection can cause evolution.
5.1.U4 Evolution of homologous structures by adaptive
radiation explains similarities in structure when
there are differences in function.
5.1.U5 Populations of a species can gradually diverge into
separate species by evolution.
5.1.U6 Continuous variation across the geographical
range of related populations matches the concept
of gradual divergence.
5.1.A1 Development of melanistic insects in polluted
areas.
5.1.A2 Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals,
birds, amphibians and reptiles with different
methods of locomotion.
http://www.johnkyrk.com/evolution.html
5.1.U1 Evolution occurs when heritable characteristics of a species change.

Evolution occurs by the mechanism

of natural selection (see topic 5.2)
 but, evolution is just a theory
Despite the strength of evidence there is
still widespread disbelief of evolution
Evolution: It's a Thing among some religious groups.

Why science is NOT 'Just a Theory'

http://youtu.be/P3GagfbA2vo

Richard Dawkins - Growing up in the Universe http://youtu.be/1uzsuCFUQ68

1 hour long, but worth it

Watch the videos to learn more about

theories, evolution and the evidence
supporting evolution.
http://youtu.be/dw4w1UsOafQ
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/fossil-evidence.html
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces

of any organism from the remote past
Fossil evidence may be
one of two types:

http://www.gridclub.com/subscribers/info/fact_gadget_2009/images/pl1co1f1.jpg

2. Indirect (trace fossils) such as

footprints, tooth marks, tracks,
1. Direct (body fossils) such as bones, teeth, burrows, etc.
shells, leaves, etc. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knightia_eocaena_FBNM.JPG| File:First_Dinosaur_Tracks_from_the_Arabian_Peninsula.jpg
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

The fossil record is the sum of all

discovered and undiscovered fossils
and their relative placement in rock.

The fossil record provides the dimension of time to the study of

evolution the layer of rock in which a fossil is found can be
dated and therefore used to deduce the age of the fossil.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fossils_in_a_beach_wall.JPG
http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Dating-the-Past/Sci-Media/Images/Fossils-in-sedimentary-rock
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

The fossil record is the sum of all

discovered and undiscovered fossils
and their relative placement in rock.

fo s s il re co rd due to:
There are gaps in
th e
fo r fo s si lizati on to occur
c u m st a nc e s a re required
Special c ir re p reserved
of an o rg a n is m a
Only hard parts fr a g m e n ts re m ain to be
n b e d a m a g e d s o that only
Fossils ca
discovered

The fossil record provides the dimension of time to the study of

evolution the layer of rock in which a fossil is found can be
dated and therefore used to deduce the age of the fossil.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fossils_in_a_beach_wall.JPG
http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Dating-the-Past/Sci-Media/Images/Fossils-in-sedimentary-rock
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

The fossil record clearly shows changes (in characteristics) of organisms

Fossils show a
chronological (time)
sequence in which
characteristics
appear and develop
in complexity

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equine_evolution.jpg
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

The fossil record clearly shows changes (in characteristics) of organisms

Fossils have been discovered of many types of

Fossils show a organism that no longer exist, e.g. trilobites
chronological (time) and dinosaurs.
sequence in which
characteristics
appear and develop
in complexity
In most cases no fossils can be found
of organisms that do exist today.

This suggests that the ancestral species

evolved into the modern species

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equine_evolution.jpg
5.1.U2 The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

Transitional fossils show the links between groups or species by exhibits traits common to
both the ancestral group/species and its derived descendant group/species.

Archaeopteryx is a famous Bird features:

example transitional fossils it feathers
gives evidence for the evolution
of birds from dinosaurs.

Dinosaur features include:

jaws with sharp teeth
three fingers with claws
long bony tail

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Archaeopteryx_NT.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Archaeopteryx_lithographica_%28Berlin_specimen%29.jpg
5.1.U3 Selective breeding of domesticated animals shows that artificial selection can cause
evolution.

Selective breeding (also called artificial

selection) is the process by which humans
breed animals and plants for particular traits

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/select.html

Examples:
Breeding dogs for herding, e.g. sheepdogs or
racing, e.g. greyhounds
Cows are bred for milk yield or meat
Crops have been bred for increased yield and/or
disease resistance
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Greyhound_Racing_2_amk.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canis_lupus_baileyi_running.jpg
5.1.U3 Selective breeding of domesticated animals shows that artificial selection can cause
evolution.

Selective breeding (also called artificial

selection) is the process by which humans
breed animals and plants for particular traits Domestic breeds show great variation
compared to wild populations
populations subject to only natural
Populations show variation.
variation in traits

Individuals which do Individuals which show

not show the desired
traits are not allowed
to breed.
the most desirable traits
are chosen to breed
together.
The process is repeated for
many generations until the
entire population shows the
desired trait
The next generation will
have an increased
frequency of the desired
trait.

http://teewallpapers.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/popular-dog-breeds-1.jpg
5.1.U4 Evolution of homologous structures by adaptive radiation explains similarities in structure
when there are differences in function.
comparative anatomy of groups of animals or plants The tale of the limb
shows certain structural features are basically similar.
Structures or anatomical features having similar basic
structure as in other species said to be homologous.

homologous structures are those that are similar in

shape in different types of organisms

The structural
similarities imply
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/
a common similarity_hs_02
ancestry

This illustrates adaptive radiation since the

basic structure adapted to different niches
homologous structures used in
different ways in different species The more exclusive the shared homologies
the closer two organisms are related.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Homology_vertebrates-en.svg
5.1.A2 Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles with
different methods of locomotion.

The pentadactyl limb in

vertebrates is an example of a
homologous structure

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Evolution_pl.png
5.1.A2 Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles with
different methods of locomotion.

The pentadactyl limb in

vertebrates is an example of a
homologous structure

It is adapted to different mode of

locomotion in particular environment.

dolphin fin for swimming

bat wing for flying
monkey hand for grasping
horse hoof for galloping

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Evolution_pl.png
5.1.A2 Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles with
different methods of locomotion.

The pentadactyl limb in

vertebrates is an example of a
homologous structure

NoS: Despite the obvious differences

all the organisms share the same
bones. For example the bones may
vary in size and shape, but all
vertebrates have five fingered hands
at the end of each limb.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Evolution_pl.png
5.1.U5 Populations of a species can gradually diverge into separate species by evolution.

1 If populations, e.g. fruit flies, become separated (e.g. a population is blown by a

storm to a distant island). Then it is very likely the population will experience
different ecological conditions.
2
Over many generations the shape of the flies, food preference, mating rituals etc. will
likely diverge as the result of natural selection.

3
If the island fruit flies
migrate back to the
mainland they will not easily
mate with the mainland flies
as:
Mating rituals are
different
Because of genetic
differences the resulting
4 offspring are infertile
Because genes cannot flow between the populations the
island fruit flies are said to have evolved into separate
species (this process is called speciation).

n.b. islands often have many endemic (unique to that island) species due to the fact that island environments can easily
cause species to become separated. http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evo101/VBDefiningSpeciation.shtml
5.1.U5 Populations of a species can gradually diverge into separate species by evolution.

There are many examples of

speciation. Darwin famously used
the example of the finches on the
Galapagos islands.

http://www.sepa.duq.edu/finches.html
http://fhs-bio-wiki.pbworks.com/w/page/24002829/Evidence%20-%20geographical%20distribution
5.1.U6 Continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations matches the
concept of gradual divergence.

Q - which of these birds are the same

species and which are different species?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ptarmigan9.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lagopus_lagopus_Alaska_2.jpg
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/gallery/files/9/2/4/DSC_0014copy.jpg
http://www.western-isles-wildlife.com/photogallery/Red%20Grouse%20Lewis%2008%20crop.jpg
5.1.U6 Continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations matches the
concept of gradual divergence.

Willow Ptarmigan
(female) Willow Ptarmigan
(male)

Q - which of these
birds are the same
species and which
are different
species?
Red grouse
(female)

Red grouse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ptarmigan9.jpg

(male) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lagopus_lagopus_Alaska_2.jpg
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/gallery/files/9/2/4/DSC_0014copy.jpg
http://www.western-isles-wildlife.com/photogallery/Red%20Grouse%20Lewis%2008%20crop.jpg
5.1.U6 Continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations matches the
concept of gradual divergence.

The Red Grouse and the Willow Ptarmigan where at one time classified as two
separate species. The current scientific consensus is that they are both members
of the same species (Lagopus lagopus)

It is a common problem in classification to determine when two populations of

one species to have sufficiently diverged to become two separate species.

Populations will gradually diverge over time and it is natural

to see continuous variation across a geographical range.

The greater the geographical separation and the longer the

populations have been separated the greater the divergence.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ptarmigan9.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lagopus_lagopus_Alaska_2.jpg
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/gallery/files/9/2/4/DSC_0014copy.jpg
http://www.western-isles-wildlife.com/photogallery/Red%20Grouse%20Lewis%2008%20crop.jpg
5.1.A1 Development of melanistic insects in polluted areas.
Variation: Peppered moths (Biston betularia) The dark form
moths are found in two forms: (carbonaria) is
normally very
rare.
ut a b out
on to find o
a nima ti oths
the r e d m
Use in Peppe
on
evoluti

Normal environment: In unpolluted areas

tree branches are covered in pale coloured
lichens camouflage for the paler form Environmental change: sulphur dioxide
(insularia). pollution kills the lichens and soot (from coal
burning) blackens the tree branches.
The moths fly at night to try to find a mate,
but, during the day they rest on the branches Result: the dark moths are well camouflaged
of trees. from birds against dark tree branches are many
survive to reproduce, but light coloured moths
Selective pressure: Predation from birds (and
are easily found and predated by birds, few
other animals) whilst resting
survive to reproduce.
http://peppermoths.weebly.com/
Evolution: over a number of generations the dark (carbonaria) form of the peppered moth has
increased with frequency - the heritable characteristics of the population have changed.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02077/peppered-moth_2077529i.jpg
5.1.A1 Development of melanistic insects in polluted areas.
Variation: Peppered moths (Biston betularia) The dark form
moths are found in two forms: (carbonaria) is
normally very
rare.

Normal environment: In unpolluted areas

tree branches are covered in pale coloured
lichens camouflage for the paler form Environmental change: sulphur dioxide
(insularia). pollution kills the lichens and soot (from coal
burning) blackens the tree branches.
The moths fly at night to try to find a mate,
but, during the day they rest on the branches Result: the dark moths are well camouflaged
of trees. from birds against dark tree branches are many
survive to reproduce, but light coloured moths
Selective pressure: Predation from birds (and
are easily found and predated by birds, few
other animals) whilst resting
survive to reproduce.
Evolution: over a number of generations the dark (carbonaria) form of the peppered moth has
increased with frequency - the heritable characteristics of the population have changed.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02077/peppered-moth_2077529i.jpg
5.1.A1 Development of melanistic insects in polluted areas.
Variation: Peppered moths (Biston betularia) The dark form
moths are found in two forms: (carbonaria) is
normally very
rare.

d u ce d air pollution
Normal environment: In unpolluted areas
Eu ro p e have re
tree branches are covered in pale
e n ta l p oli
colouredcie s in
is n ow re versing.
n .b . Environm e p e p p e re oth
d mEnvironmental change: sulphur dioxide
lichens camouflage forvtheo lu paler
ti on o th
fform
(insularia). and e pollution kills the lichens and soot (from coal
burning) blackens the tree branches.
The moths fly at night to try to find a mate,
but, during the day they rest on the branches Result: the dark moths are well camouflaged
of trees. from birds against dark tree branches are many
survive to reproduce, but light coloured moths
Selective pressure: Predation from birds (and
are easily found and predated by birds, few
other animals) whilst resting
survive to reproduce.
Evolution: over a number of generations the dark (carbonaria) form of the peppered moth has
increased with frequency - the heritable characteristics of the population have changed.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02077/peppered-moth_2077529i.jpg
 s this carto on fit in with this topic?
How doe

What ideas and key term

s are related to this imag
e?

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I%27m_a_mammal!.jpg
Bibliography / Acknowledgments

Jason de Nys