CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 6 Revision Notes
Introduction to Evolution:
The gradual process by which living organisms have developed and diversified
over time from a common ancestor is called evolution.
The concept of evolution helps explain the biodiversity and complexity of life on
Earth.
Miller-Urey experiment
Theories of Evolution:
a. Lamarck's Theory:
Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
Suggested the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics.
According to Lamarck, traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be
passed on to its offspring.
Example: The elongated neck of giraffes, acquired by stretching to reach leaves,
would be passed on to future generations.
b. Darwin's Theory:
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of Natural Selection.
Natural Selection states that organisms which are able to adapt themselves to
the surrounding environment are supported in their survival.
It was also described as the "Survival of the fittest."
Evidence of Evolution:
a. Fossil Records:
Fossils are the remains of living beings that existed in the past and whose
remains can be found in sedimentary rocks.
These are the evidence of extinct species and transitional forms that link
different groups of organisms.
b. Comparative Anatomy:
Comparative anatomy involves the study of similarities and differences between
the anatomical or morphological features of different species.
Homologous structures: similar in structure but may have different functions,
suggesting a common evolutionary origin. Eg: forelimbs of humans and bats.
Analogous structures: perform similar functions but have different evolutionary
origins. Eg: Wings of birds and butterflies.
c. Embryological Evidence:
The study of embryo development reveals similarities among different organisms,
suggesting common ancestry.
Embryos of diverse organisms may display similar stages or structures during
development.
d. Speciation:
Speciation is the process by which one species splits into two or more distinct
species.
It can occur through allopatric (also called geographical isolation) or sympatric
(also called reproductive isolation) mechanisms.
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
According to the NCERT textbook “In a given population one can find out the
frequency of occurrence of alleles of a gene or a locus. This frequency is
supposed to remain fixed and even remain the same through generations.
Hardy-Weinberg's principle stated it using algebraic equations. This principle
says that allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from
generation to generation. The gene pool (total genes and their alleles in a
population) remains constant. This is called genetic equilibrium.” The total of all
allele frequencies in a population is 1.
Hardy-Weinberg equation: p2+2pq+q2=1
Factors to Affect Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic information from one population to another is
called gene flow. It is also called gene migration,
Genetic Drift: The change in gene frequency of an existing gene variant in the
population due to a sudden change.
Mutation: Change in the normal sequence of nucleic acid ( DNA and RNA).
Genetic Recombination: Rearrangement of the sequence of DNA after
breaking and rejoining of chromosomes.
Natural Selection: Mechanism by which fittest organisms are favoured for their
survival.
Human Evolution:
15 mya Dryopithecus and
Ramapithecus Hairy and walked like gorillas and
chimpanzees.
Ramapithecus was more man-like while
Dryopithecus was more ape-like
2 mya Australopithecines Probably lived in East African grasslands
Homo habilis 650-800cc brain capacity
1.5 mya Homo erectus 900cc brain capacity
1,00,000-40,000 Neanderthal man 1400cc brain capacity
years back
75,000-10,000 Homo sapiens Pre-historic cave art developed about
years ago 18,000 years ago
