Fossils
What is a fossil?
A mold or cast of something from the past
What is evolution?
The theory that organisms today developed from more simple life forms and have changed (evolution) over time.
What is natural selection?
Organisms that are best adapted to their environment have a better chance of survival and reproduction.
Who was Charles Darwin?
An English Naturalist who discovered Evolution and Natural Selection
What do scientists use fossils for?
To learn about evolution
and/or
To learn about the past Earth and its organisms
Name one Evidence of Evolution
Common Ancestry
Homologous Structures
Embryo Development
Vestigial Organs
Fossils
Name one example of natural selection
Peppered Moths
(black and white moths)
What animals did he study?
Finches and tortoises
Paleontologist
What is a reason a species might need to evolve?
Changes in the environment
Give an example of a mutation that could help with natural selection (make one up)
a frog developing stripes on their legs to help them camouflage better
Where did he study?
The Galapagos Islands
Name something an organism can be preserved in
Ice, Tar, Amber
What is a vestigial organ?
Give an example in humans
appendix or tail bone
If a species of rabbits live in a snowy environment and some have big feet which helps them move faster in the snow and some have normal feet. What will happen to the rabbit population
the population of rabbits with bigger feet will grow because they will be able to survive to reproduce.
When did he live?
1800's
(1809-1882)
What is the fossil record?
The fossil record is used to explain the history of life on Earth. The fossil record can show that groups of organisms have changed over time
What happens if a species does not evolve with the changing environment?
it goes extinct
Name a reason a species might go extinct.
loss of habitat.
unable to evolve
What was the name of Darwin's ship?
HMS Beagle