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Lesson 9.1 Evolution and Its Evidence

There are several key lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution: 1) Homology provides evidence in the form of similar anatomical structures shared between different organisms, suggesting a common ancestor. 2) DNA and protein sequence comparisons show striking similarities that could only be explained by shared ancestry. 3) Fossil records and plate tectonics show how continents have shifted over time, isolating populations that then diverged into new species. 4) Embryological evidence shows that organisms within the same class share developmental characteristics, again pointing to a shared ancestor.

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329 views24 pages

Lesson 9.1 Evolution and Its Evidence

There are several key lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution: 1) Homology provides evidence in the form of similar anatomical structures shared between different organisms, suggesting a common ancestor. 2) DNA and protein sequence comparisons show striking similarities that could only be explained by shared ancestry. 3) Fossil records and plate tectonics show how continents have shifted over time, isolating populations that then diverged into new species. 4) Embryological evidence shows that organisms within the same class share developmental characteristics, again pointing to a shared ancestor.

Uploaded by

John Cesar Castillo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Evolution and Its Evidence

Objective: At the end of the lesson,


you should be able to describe the
evidence of evolution such as
homology, DNA and protein
sequences, plate tectonics, fossil
records, embryology, and artificial
selection/agriculture.
- what is the difference is between the
scientific theory and the layman’s use of
the word?
List as many lines of evidence as
you can to support evidence for
evolution.
What are the different evidence that support
evolution?
Homology
Similarities between anatomical structures of
organisms provided a basis for evolution. The
term used for similar characteristics shared
by organisms is called homology.
A common ancestor may be present when
different animals share common traits. The pair of
arms of humans and the wings of bats show
homologous structures.
DNA and Protein Sequences
• The presence of homologous structures also suggests
the presence of homologous DNA and protein
sequences. Using today’s technology, the sequencing
of the DNA codes and similar proteins of various
organisms showed striking similarities. The similarities
in the DNA sequences suggest the presence of a
common ancestor.
Example
• Consider six different organisms from different groups
of organisms that share similarities in their DNA
sequences. The homologous DNA sequences prove
that these organisms share a common ancestor.
Plate Tectonics and Fossil Records
• There has been substantial geographical evidence to
support evolution. The continental drift theory
developed by Alfred Wegener states that the
movement of plate tectonics shifted different
continents, isolating certain landmasses. This is how
all continents form from pieces of one giant
supercontinent called Pangaea.
Plate Tectonics and Fossil Records
• There has been substantial geographical evidence to
support evolution. The continental drift theory
developed by Alfred Wegener states that the
movement of plate tectonics shifted different
continents, isolating certain landmasses. This is how
all continents form from pieces of one giant
supercontinent called Pangaea.
Plate Tectonics and Fossil Records
• The figure shows similar fossil records of different
continents which suggest that the continents were
once connected to each other. Common ancestors
may have existed and differentiation happened as
these continents drifted.
• Certain conditions such as changes in the
environment and geographic locations are required
for some organisms to diversify or develop
specialization. This is called adaptive radiation.
Fossil Records
• Fossil records provide a time frame in understanding
the evolution of life on Earth. They show the
transition in the form of species. One example of this
evolutionary evidence pertains to birds as direct
descendants of certain dinosaurs. In 1861, a reptile-
bird link came about upon a discovery of the fossils of
an Archaeopteryx dinosaur. All characteristics describe
the dinosaur as a reptile except one distinct
characteristic — the feathers.
Learn about it!
Embryology is the study of the development
of embryos. The overall conclusion in
studying comparative embryology showed
that vertebrate animals share a common
ancestor that is specialized in many different
environments.
The presence of gill slits in human embryonic
counterparts in the placental stage is an evidence that
we all converge from a common ancestor.

Specialization takes place during development;


some lose their gill slits in place of lungs while
certain organisms like fish and certain amphibians
retain them.
Artificial Selection/Agriculture
• Artificial selection is the process where humans domesticate
wild living organisms for their benefit. Consider the two very
common “tamed/cultivated” organisms – dogs and
wheat.Dogs and wolves come from the same family, yet there
are striking similarities and differences. They are similar in
terms of physical attributes as well as their ways of
communication, such as body language and howling. However,
their disposition and temperament vary distinctly. This is
because dogs diverged from wolf-like canid and are just
selectively bred as a domesticated canid. But even before this
selective breeding occurred, the long association of dogs with
humans led them to be domesticated.
Artificial Selection/Agriculture
• Another example of artificial selection is wheat. Wheat now
grows in certain areas and climate. It was one of the first
domesticated food crops and a basic staple food for
civilizations in Europe, West Asia, and North Africa for 8 000
years. It was believed to have originated in southwestern Asia.
Today, wheat production is vastly produced in China, India,
United States, France, and Russia which shows that this crop
has adapted to various conditions of soil and climate.
•In the long run, all of these changes and
adaptations in organisms are substantial
proof that evolution occurs.
Compare and contrast the difference of a
prehistoric organism and modern day
organisms. What are the differences and
similarities among those organisms?
Any
Questions?

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