Evolution: Is Change in The Heritable Characteristics of Biological Populations Over Successive Generations

Evolution
is change in the heritable characteristics of

biological populations over successive
generations.
Evolution and Its Evidence
Human cat whale bat

The presence of homologous structures also suggests
The pair of arms of humans and the wings of the presence of homologous DNA and protein
bats show homologous structures. They may sequences. Using today’s technology, the sequencing of
come in different shapes and sizes, but the the DNA codes and similar proteins of various
overall structure and function of these parts organisms showed striking similarities. The similarities
share the same concept. in the DNA sequences suggest the presence of a
common ancestor.
Plate Tectonics and Fossil Records
The continental drift theory developed by Alfred Wegener
The figure shows similar fossil records of different continents which suggest that the
continents were once connected to each other.
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.
Specialization takes place during development; some

lose their gill slits in place of lungs while certain
organisms like fish and certain amphibians retain
them.
Evolution is a dynamic process. It is on-going and constantly active.
Every act of predation, mutation, and migration is in accordance to a
species’ fundamental need – to survive. As evolution
arose, biodiversity, which is defined as the variability of organisms that
came into existence, came along with it.
To compensate for these changes, organisms have

undergone adaptation, which is a crucial role in the dynamic nature of
evolution.
Theories of Evolution
1. Theory of Descent with Modification - This theory implies that all
existing organisms originated from a singular or several simple life
forms that have continuously adapted to changes in the environment.
2. Theory of Natural Selection
This theory states that only species with ideal or superior
characteristics are able to survive the changing environment and thus
replicate. This characteristic is then passed on to succeeding
generations until various changes to this characteristic occur, creating a
new dominant trait.
Mechanism of Evolution
1. Divergent evolution is the process where isolated populations of a
species branch out due to geographical barriers or migration
patterns. Many species have differentiated due to change in
geographical conditions or natural selection.
The presence of grizzly bears and polar bears is a clear example of
divergent evolution; the latter equipped for winter conditions while
the former hibernates during winter.
Mechanism for Evolution
2. Convergent evolution is the process where members of two varying
species involve similar characteristics due to similar environments.
This is a species-independent type of evolution, as demonstrated by
the ability for numerous invertebrates such as spiders, weaver ants,
and silk moths to produce silk to capture prey.
Characteristics of Life
To be considered living, an organism must…..
1. Growth and Development
 Growth – change in size
 Development - change in form

2. Be able to Reproduce
-Asexually
-Sexually
3.Use materials and energy
Metabolism is a term that is
used to describe all chemical
reactions involved in maintaining
the living state of the cells and the
organism.
Metabolism is closely linked to
nutrition and the availability of
nutrients.
ATP- adenosine triphosphate, cells use it as a direct source of energy.
4. Adaptation/ Adjustment
 Adaptation – a trait resulting
form evolution that allows species
the ability to survive
 Adjustment – individual response
to stimulus ex. Temperature,
Homeostasis - the tendency toward a relatively stable

equilibrium between interdependent elements,
5. Change over time, as a group.
-Evolution
6. Made of units called Cells
-Unicellular
-Multicellular
Levels of Organization
Level Function Example
Organism Single living thing
Human
Organ System Different organs function Nervous

System
together
Organ Different tissues function Brain
together
Tissues Similar cells function
together Nervous Tissue
Cells Smallest unit of life Nerve

Cell
Molecules Smallest unit of a substance Protein

with the same properties
Atom Smallest unit of matter Carbon

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Evolution

is change in the heritable characteristics of

Human cat whale bat

The continental drift theory developed by Alfred Wegener

Specialization takes place during development; some

To compensate for these changes, organisms have

 Growth – change in size

 Development - change in form

Homeostasis - the tendency toward a relatively stable

Organ System Different organs function Nervous

Cells Smallest unit of life Nerve

Molecules Smallest unit of a substance Protein

Atom Smallest unit of matter Carbon

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