Types of Evolution
What are the four types of evolution we discussed in class?
Convergent, parallel, coevolution and divergent evolution
Define a vestigial structure.
A structure that at one point served our ancestors but has now become obsolete for modern species.
Evolution is a theory. Does this mean we shouldn't accept it as accurate?
In biology, a theory is the closest thing we can get to "truth". The theory of evolution has more evidence to support it than any biological theory. If we don't trust the theory of evolution, we also must distrust cell theory, atomic theory, the big bang, etc.
Who is the Father of Evolution?
Charles Darwin
When two unrelated species evolve to have a very similar structure, it is an example of what?
Convergent evolution
What is one example of a vestigial structure on an animal other than a human?
Dandelion flowers, ostrich wings, manatee nails, whale hip bones and fingers, blind salamander eyes
How is embryology evidence of evolution?
During early embryological development, mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, and amphibians all look very similar. This suggests that they all came from a common ancestor.
Why are some people able to drink milk in adulthood?
There was a mutation that led to us keeping our Lactase enzyme and for whatever reason (Maybe stronger bones?) this led to people living longer so it became widespread.
Darwin's finches all having slightly different beaks is an example of what type of evolution?
Divergent evolution
Name a vestigial structure of manatees. How do you know it's vestigial?
Its large nose or its fingernails. Water animals don't need fingernails.
How does the fossil record provide evidence of evolution?
Fossils show that earlier organisms look similar to us, but were adapted to a slightly different environment. They also provide evidence of transitional species, which show the evolution from one environment to another, like water to land.
What are the four letters that make up our genetic code?
A T G C
Marsupials and placentals having many species that look similar is an example of what type of evolution?
Parallel evolution
Name at least two vestigial structures of whales. How do you know they are vestigial?
Teeth during embryological development, hip bones, finger bones
How are homologous structures evidence of evolution?
If we look at body plans of many distinctly different animals, we can see that they follow a very similar body plan. This suggests that they evolved from a common ancestor.
What was the name of the transitional species that was a fish/land animal?
Tiktaalik
How does evolution happen?
Some mutations and variation in a species are preferable and help organisms to live longer. This will lead to that DNA being passed down more often, which means over time the preferable trait will become more present in the population.
Name as many human vestigial structures as you can. (At least 4)
Inner ear muscles, anxiety, tailbone, goosebumps, Palmaris longus muscle, appendix, wisdom teeth, nictitating mebrane, male nipples
Provide as many pieces of evidence of evolution as you can. (At least 4)
Embryology, homologous structures, fossil records, transitional species, vestigial structures, DNA evidence
What was the name of Charles Darwin's ship?
HMS Beagle