Darwin and Natural Selection

Small scale evolution

Changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next/microevolution

Large scale evolution

The descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations/macroevolution

1859

Darwin proposed the modern day theory of evolution

1750s

Linnaeus developed a binomial nomenclature system for classification and organized species

1795

Hutton proposed that Earth’s geologic features could be explained by gradual mechanism (valleys being formed into rivers)

1809

Lamarck publishes a hypothesis of evolution using observations from the fossil record, suggest common descent, but proposes an incorrect mechanism

1812

Cuvier noted and published potential mass extinction events but rejected the idea of evolution

1830

Lyell incorporates Hutton’s observations into his principles of geology and suggests that the processes that operated on the past are still operating at the same rate

1859

Darwin applied the idea that slow gradual changes can produce substantial biological change and supported his hypothesis through evidence and observations of species in the Galápagos Islands, origin of species was published

Endemic

Found only on that certain part of the world (animals in the Galapagos)

Gene Flow

The movement of genetic material (genes) between populations

Fitness

Success at surviving and reproducing

Evolution

Genetic change through time; evolution by natural selection can not occur without heritability

Natural Selection

Mechanism of evolution; requires heritable variation; requires different survival/reproduction