CONNECTION

THE EVIDENCE OF EVOLUTION

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 FOREWORD

This Self Learning Kit complies with the learning

standards and competencies prescribed by the K-12
curriculum of the Department of Education. This SLK is
entitled: CONNECTION-The Evidence of Evolution. This
module introduces students to the various evidence of
evolution and how these evidences support the
connection between organisms in terms of ancestry.

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 OBJECTIVES:
K: Describe the different evidences of evolution
S: Compare structures and amino acid sequences of organisms
A: Acknowledge the fact that we share common
characteristics with other organisms

LEARNING COMPETENCY
Explain how fossil records, comparative anatomy, and
genetic information provide evidence for evolution(S10LT-IIIf-39)

I.WHAT HAPPENED

Hello dear student, today

we will be talking about the different
evidences of evolution. Before we
proceed to that, I want you to try the
following activity first.
http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/teaching-
evolution/changes-over-time-fossils/

PRE-TEST
TRUE OR FALSE
DIRECTIONS: Read each item carefully and identify whether the
statement is true or false. Write your answer in your notebook.
__________1. Fossils are the remains of organisms that lived a long
time ago.
__________2. Trace fossils are the actual body parts of an organism
such as bones and teeth.
__________3. The shape left on the rock after the body of the
organism decay is called “cast”.
__________4. Divergent evolution is a pattern evolution where two
species branch from a common ancestor.
__________5. Homologous structures are body parts that are different in
structure but perform the same function
__________6. Analogous structures are body parts with the same
arrangement but performs different functions.
__________7. Large differences in the DNA sequence of two species
indicate they are unlikely to be related

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 II. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
DISCUSSION

A raptor and a chicken. A reptile and a bird. Two organisms

being millions of years apart yet believed to share a common ancestor.
How did evolutionary biologists come up with this idea? What
were the basis of determining the ancestry of organisms? What were
the evidences that explain evolution?
As we go on with this Self Learning Kit, we will encounter those
evidences.

https://clipartmag.com Figure 1. A raptor

/paleontologist-clipart https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/
Figure 2. A chicken belonging to
839006605555835442/ the bird family
https://www.thatsmags.com/china/post/
28657/watch-woman-slaughters-chicken-
at-chongqing-metro-station_1
FOSSIL RECORD
Various organisms proliferated the earth at various ages. There
was a time for their success and the time of their decline/extinction.
Our species appeared recently to the picture and yet we were able to
tell that these very organisms existed through fossils. Fossils are the
remains of organisms that lived long ago and were preserved in rocks,
tar, ice or amber through natural processes. Fossils can be classified
into two major categories -body fossils and trace fossils. Body fossils are
the actual remains of an organism such as bones and teeth. On the
other hand, records such as footprints and feces are called trace fossils.

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 Let us take a look of fossils preserved in different materials and
how they are formed.

Figure 3. An example of a Resin fossil

Figure 5. A mammoth preserved in ice
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/486459197 Figure 4. A fossil preserved in tar https://www.ck12.org/earth-science/Types-of-
247366963/ http://petrifiedwoodmuseum.org/Chem Fossilization/lesson/Fossils-II-Types-of-Fossilization/
icalPreservation.htm

These images above show fossils with their tissues preserved.

Figure 3 shows a resin fossil. This kind of fossil is formed when an
organism (usually small in size) gets trapped in tree resin which hardens
through time. Figure 4 is a beetle-like organism preserved in tar and
figure 5 is a baby mammoth preserved in ice. These various materials
protected the remains of these organisms and thus preserving the
actual body.
Fossils may sometimes contain a little or no tissues at all. Let us
look at the following examples. When the body of an organism
decomposes, it leaves behind its shape on the rock. Minerals then get
deposited on the shape left behind referred as mold (Figure 6, left). The
resulting fossil formed in a mold is called the cast (Figure 6, right).
Compression (Figure 7) is a dark stain left on the rock when the remains
of an organism is compressed with tremendous amount of pressure.
Permineralization (Figure 8) happens when water and minerals enter
the small spaces of a buried remains of a plant or an animal. Through
time, the spaces get filled with minerals and thus leaving behind a
hardened material that follows the shape of the organism.

Figure 7. The compressed remains of an Figure 8. An example of permineralied

Figure 6. The cast of an organism in a rock organism organism
https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/earth- https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/earth- http://www.jsjgeology.net/Permineralizatio
science science- n.htm
prep/section/11.2/primary/lesson/types-of- prep/section/11.2/primary/lesson/types-of-
fossilization-ms-es fossilization-ms-es

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 One of the methods used in
determining the age of a fossil is
through relative dating. The age of
the fossil is determined based on the
layer of rock where it was found.
Fossils found at the bottom portion
of a rock are the oldest while fossils
found at the upper layers of the rock
are the recent fossils. As shown in
figure 9, the fossil at the bottom
portion of the rock layer could be
the ancestor of those at the upper
layers. However, this method does
not exactly tell the absolute age of
a fossil. Thus, another method is used
based on radioactive isotopes.
Radioactive dating is another Figure 9. The process of relative dating
From Biology:8th Edition(page 462)by
approach in determining the age of Campbell,N.A,et.al,2008, California: Pearson Education Inc.

a fossil. The amounts of radioactive

isotopes in a fossil such as Carbon-14
is compared to the amount of
Carbon-12.
While alive, an organism
constantly accumulates carbon-12
as well as its radioactive isotope,
carbon-14. When the organism dies,
the amount of carbon-12 remains.
However, carbon-14 slowly decays
into Nitrogen-14 overtime with its
half-life being 5730 years (half-life is Figure 10. Radioactive dating of two organisms
https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-middle-school-
the amount of time for a radioactive physical-science-flexbook-
substance to reach half its amount). 2.0/section/8.9/primary/lesson/half-life-and-radioactive-
dating-ms-ps
Thus, by comparing the amounts of
carbon-12 and carbon-14, the age
of the fossil is determined. This
method works for fossils with
thousands of years of age. Older
fossils are dated using other
radioactive elements with much
longer half-lives.

Figure 11
https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01001395/Centricity/Domain/1711/Decay
%20of%20Carbon%2014.pdf-

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COMPARATIVE ANATOMY
Aside from fossil records, another clue to evolution is through
comparison of anatomical structures. Different species with
different environments and movement may share similarities in the
early stages of development (Figure 12) as well as internal
structures (Figure 13). These similarities may indicate that these
organisms evolved from a common ancestor.

Figure 12. Early stages of development of

different species
From Biology:8th Edition(page 463)by
Campbell,N.A,et.al,2008, California: Pearson
Education Inc.

As shown in figure 13, the Figure 13. A comparison of

forelimbs of a human, cat, forelimbs of four different species
From Biology:8th Edition(page 463)by
whale, and bat share similar Campbell,N.A,et.al,2008, California:
Pearson Education Inc.
arrangement of bones despite
performing different functions
such as grasping, walking,
swimming, and flying. Structures
like this are referred to as
homologous structures. On the
other hand, organisms may
have parts of similar functions
(ex. flight) but of different
structure/arrangement and Figure 14. Analogous structures of two
origin referred to as analogous different species
structures (figure 14). https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/707487422699360720/

Homologous and analogous structures among organisms then

leads us to the concepts of divergent and convergent evolution.

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 Figure 15 Figure 16
https://www.thinglink.com/scene/4616456 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
20428406786 biology/chapter/determining-evolutionary-
relationships/

Divergent evolution is a mode of evolution where a common

ancestor gives emergence to various species with different
environments and behavior shown in figure 15. Various species of
primates living in different conditions emerged from an ancestral
primate. While convergent evolution shows how species emerged from
a shared ancestry, convergent evolution shows how two species from
different origin share a common characteristic. The wings of an insect
and a bird do not share similarities in structure, indicating that the two
species do not share a common ancestor yet both species share the
ability of flight (Figure 16).

COMPARISON OF AMINO ACID SEQUENCES

Another evidence of evolution is the similarities of amino acid
sequences in organisms. You have encountered in the previous
modules that the DNA of organisms determine the amino acids
sequences/proteins that they produced.

DNA RNA Protein

Figure 17

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 Table 1
https://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/cms/lib4/IN01000850/Centricity/Domain
/985/5-Biochemical%20Comparisons.pdf

Examine the table shown above. It shows a portion of the

sequence of amino acids that makeup the hemoglobin molecule in
various species.
Comparison Number of Differences Location in the
in Amino Acid Sequence
Sequence
Human-Chimp 0 N/A

Human-Gorilla 1 104

Human-Rhesus Monkey 2 87, 104

Human-Horse 5 87, 111, 112, 114, 116

Human-Kangaroo 7 87, 104, 109, 110, 112, 113, 116

Table 2

With the data provided from Table 1, the amino acid

sequences of the different species were compared with the
amino sequence found in human and thus yielding the results
shown above. Which of these organisms is closely related to
humans? Which one is quite distant to humans based on amino
acid sequence comparison? Referring to this table, it can be
inferred that among the organisms, chimp is the closest relative to
humans while kangaroo is the most distant one. Thus, the more

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similar DNA or Amino Acid sequences are in two species, the more
likely they are closely related with each other and have evolved
from a common prehistoric organism.

III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

At this moment, we will see if you have learned something
from the different evidence of evolution that you have
encountered. Keep in mind that despite the many differences that
we have, we still have something to share.

https://www.123rf.com/photo_93716823_stock-vector-man-sitting-on-
one-knee-and-sweeping-dirt-from-skeleton-s-bones-cartoon-
paleontologist-using-small-b.html

Part I. Multiple Choice.

DIRECTIONS: Read the following statements and choose the
letter of the correct answer. Write your answer in your notebook.
1. When the body of an organism totally decomposes, it leaves its
shape on the rock and is referred to as _________.
a. Cast b. Mold c. Fossil
2. ___________ is a result when the remains of an organism are
exposed to intense pressure.
a. Depression b. Compression c. Intrusion
3. ___________occurs when the water and minerals fill the pores of
an organism’s remains throughout time.
a. Permineralization b. Compression c. Casting
4. This type of fossil refers to the actual remains/body parts left by
the organism.
a. Trace fossils b. Body fossils c. Remnant fossils
5. _________ refers to fossils such as footprints
a. Trace fossils b. Body fossils c. Remnant fossils
6. A dating method that predicts the age of fossil based on the
layers of rocks
a. Nitrogen-dating b. Relative dating c. Radioactive dating

7. _________ refers to the time required for a radioactive isotope to

reach half its amount
a. Half-weight b. Half-count c. Half-life
8. If Fossil A is found in an upper layer of rock while Fossil B is found
in a lower layer of rock. We can infer that ________.
a. Fossil A is younger than Fossil B
b. Fossil B is younger than Fossil A
c. Fossil A and Fossil B are of the same age

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For Nos. 9-10 refer to the information below:
A group of paleontologists discovered a fossil of a reptile-like
organism. Through molecular analysis, they found out that the sample
contained 12 Trillion Carbon-12 atoms and 3 Carbon-14 atoms
(radioactive isotope of Carbon).
9. If the ratio of Carbon-12 to Carbon-14 is 1,000,000,000,000:1 in
living organisms, how many Carbon-14 atoms were present in the
sample at its death?

a. 14 atoms b. 12 atoms c. 10 atoms

10.After the analysis, the paleontologists discovered that only 3

atoms of Carbon-14 were left in the sample. What is the age of the
fossil?
a. 5730 years b. 11,460 years c.17,190 years

Part II.

DIRECTIONS: Complete the table by identifying if the structures shown

are homologous structures or analogous structures. Write the answers in
your notebook.

Structures Homologous or Analogous

https://schoolbag.info/biology/ap_biology/79.html

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http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/differenc
e-between-homologous-and-analogous-structures/

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3

https://www.quia.com/jg/3105052list.html

Part III.

DIRECTIONS:Given the data on the amino acid sequences of different

organisms, answer the questions asked. (Answer briefly)Write your
answer in the notebook.

1. Which among the organisms has the fewest difference in amino

acid sequence compared to Organism A? the most difference
compared to Organism A?
2. Which of these organisms is closely related to organism A? least
related to organism A?
3. If you are to rank organisms B, C, D, and E from 1 to 4 (1 being the
closest relative to organism A while 4 being the farthest relative to
organism A), how would you rank them?

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REFERENCES:
• Campbell, N.A, Reece, J.B,, Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman,
S.A., Minorsky, P.V., Jackson, R.B.(2008). Biology:8th Edition.
San Francisco, California, Pearson Education Inc., pp.461-465

• Grade 10-Science Learner’s Material, Unit 3, pp. 299-316

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, Ed.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
PSDS/ Division Science Coordinator

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

LYN-NO A. REGALADO
Writer

RAFAEL REX B. FELISILDA

Layout Artist
_________________________________
ALPHA QA TEAM
MA. ALETTA AARONA R. GAJELOMO
JUSTIN PAUL ARSENIO C. KINAMOT
MIEL C. PACULANANG
PETER PAUL A. PATRON

BETA QA TEAM
LIEZEL A. AGOR
JOAN Y. BUBULI
LIELIN A. DE LA CERNA
PETER PAUL A. PATRON
THOMAS JOGIE U. TOLEDO

DISCLAIMER

The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide
accessible learning modality to the teachers and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of
this module are carefully researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the set learning competencies.
The writers and evaluator were clearly instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to
substantiate this material. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without
expressed written consent from the division.

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SYNOPSIS:
This Self Learning Kit is made 3. C-1, D-2, E-3, B-4
for Grade 10 students on the
B is least related to A
2. Organism C is closely related to A while
topic about the evidence of the most difference compared to A.

evolution where students will THE AUTHOR:

with organism A while organism B has
1. Organism C has the fewest difference
be able to describe how the PART III

different evidence of evolution 3. Analogous

support the theory itself.

2. Homologous
1. Homologous
PART II
Hope that you enjoyed this
Self Learning Kit and
10.b a 5.
9.b b 4.
appreciate how amazing life 8.a a 3.

processes made us to be.

7.c b 2.
6.b b 1.
PART I
POST TEST
TRUE 4.
7. TRUE FALSE 3.
6.FALSE FALSE 2.
5. FALSE TRUE 1.
PRETEST

ANSWER KEY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lyn-No A. Regalado is a Science teacher of Froilan A.

Alanano Memorial High School, Dauin, Negros Oriental.
He finished Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education-
Major in Biology from Negros Oriental State University-
Main Campus. He earned units of Master of Arts in
Science Teaching and was a part time instructor in the
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences in the
same University.

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