A4 - Evolution

A4.1 - Evolution

Evolution

The slow (slowness depends on reproduction), gradual change in a species over time

species with shorter reproduction times will evolve at a faster rate

Types of evidence for evolution [4]

1. Domestication/Selective Breeding

2. Fossils

3. Comparative studies in anatomy

4. Biochemical makeup

Domestication

When an organism is selectively bred in captivity and is thereby modified from its wild ancestor for a specific trait that is used by humans (who control the organisms’ breeding and food supply)

Fossils

Any preserved remains of a dead organism; usually found in sedimentary rock

Comparative Studies

The study of anatomical structures to find similarities and differences in them

Homologous structures

Structures that share a similar basic structure (derived from the same structures in the embryo) but may vary in function; points to the same common ancestor (ex. bat wings and human hands)

Analogous Structures

Structures that have the same function but may have not evolved from the same basic structure/body part (ex. bird and bat wings); does not point to a common ancestor

Adaptive Radiation

the process by which a single species or a small group of species evolves into several different forms that live in different ways

Biochemical Similarities

The more closely related the species, the biochemical makeup is more likely to be similar; all organisms contain proteins, RNA, and DNA