Evolution in a Nutshell

Key Terms And

Concepts

Darwin vs. Lamarck

• Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution = traits are acquired through habit/experience

• Darwin’s Theory of Evolution = descent with modification due to Natural Selection – those organisms with beneficial traits survive, reproduce and pass on trait.

• Both Theories = common ancestors.

Evidence for Common Ancestors

• Embryology – development of embryo reflects ancestors. Ex. Human embryo has gills, ancestor was fish.

• Macromolecules – the more similar the more closely related. Must have similar genes/DNA.

• Vestigial Structures – feature once useful to ancestor, no longer useful to current organism

• Biogeography – distribution of orgs and fossils.• Homologous and Analogous structures -

Embryology

Macromolecules

Vestigial Structures

Biogeography

Types of Evolution Divergent Convergent Phyletic

Divergent Evolution

Convergent Evolution –Similar characteristics, similar environment.

Phyletic

Coevolution

Classification

• Kingdom, Phyllum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

• All “known” organisms have been classified.• Kingdom is largest category, Species is smallest.• Scientific name is Genus species. • Homo sapiens = human• The more categories in common the more

closely related two organisms are.