Natural Selection

How does evolution occur?

Chalk Talk:
Write any words,
phrases, or ideas
that relate to the
words on the board.
Evolution
Small changes in organisms over long periods of time.

It happens to entire populations, not individuals!

Evolution from a Biological Standpoint
Evolution, like all of science, seeks to explain natural things through
natural causes.

Science does not rely on, and cannot evaluate or test supernatural
explanations.

Evolution is the only scientifically valid and accepted theory that accounts
for our observations of the biological world.
Misconception #1: Its Only a Theory
In science, the term theory does not express doubt.

Used to represent ideas and explanations that have been confirmed many
times through tests and observations.

Explain a wide variety of data and observations.

Can be used to make predictions.
Why Study Evolution?
Why do so many different animals have the same structures?
Why do organisms have structures they no longer use.
Why are there bones and fossils evidence of creatures that no
longer exist? What happened to these creatures?
Why do the embryos of animals look very similar at an early
stage?
Why is the sequence of DNA very similar in some groups of
organisms but not in others.
Theories of Evolution: Lamarck
Jean Baptise Lamarck (1744-1829)

Acquired traits = traits that are taken on due to an animals behavior or

experience, not its genes

1. Gain or lose features if you

overused or didnt use them
2. These new traits passed to
offspring

Example: giraffes necks

Was he right or
wrong?
Wrong! Not Logical...
If you have a leg amputated this feature will not be passed to your children.

But still important

Organisms change over time

New organisms are a modified
version of previous ones
(common ancestor)
Theories of Evolution: Darwin
Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Similar species descended from a common

ancestor (agreed with Lamarck)
Species change through natural selection
Incorporated geology and biology to develop
his theory
Geology changes over time
Habitat for organisms changes
Organisms must be adapted to survive or die
Table Talk:
What is adaptation?
Misconception #2: Adaptation is a Choice
Organisms must be adapted
BEFORE the environmental
pressure.

By random chance, an organism

has a mutation or adaptation
that gives it a better chance of
survival.
Charles Darwin
Circa 1840, Charles Darwin sailed around the word
for 5 years on the H.M.S Beagle.

He observed great biodiversity.

Ex: Birds, Finches, Reptiles, Plants

His observations led to ideas to try to explain what

he had seen.

The Origin of Species (1859)

Misconception #3: Evolution is the Origin of Life
Darwin proposed an
explanation for how
populations (species) change,
not how they were created.

When species change enough,

a new species can form =
speciation
Map of Darwins Voyages
Darwins Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection
1. Variation exists among individuals in a species
2. Individuals of a species will compete for resources (food, space,
etc.)
3. Some competition would lead to the death of some individuals
while others would survive
4. Individuals that had advantageous variations (adaptations) are
more likely to survive and reproduce

Fitness = the ability of individuals to survive and reproduce (pass

on their genes)
Darwins Theory Requires 3 Things
1. Struggle for existence = competition
more individuals are produced than can survive
2. Variation
genetic variation that is inherited
3. Survival of the fittest
differences in survival and reproductive rates
Natural Selection
Based on the conclusions of Charles Darwin
He knew traits passed on but nothing about DNA
He knew nature affected survival

Four main parts to the process of natural selection...

Natural Selection
Sequence Cards
(Blue Only)
Natural Selection
1. Production of Variation
Genetic mutations randomly occur
99% of mutations are BAD for the
organisms
Random combination of genes
(sexual reproduction)
Natural Selection
2. Beneficial mutations and gene combinations help organisms adapt to their
changing environment

Examples:

Snow hares and climate change (color change)

Geckos losing their tails
Natural Selection
3. Adapted organisms will out survive others that are not adapted
Survival of the fittest
Escape predators
Outcompete others for resources
Natural Selection
4. Survivors will reproduce successfully and pass on traits
Offspring will have the same advantageous traits as parents
The more survivors that reproduce, the more often we see those traits
Natural Selection
Natural selection is driven by chance and environmental change

When environmental changes happen, an organism may not

necessarily be adapted to those new changes.

Nature will select against those who are not adapted, and select
for those who are adapted.
Natural Selection
Sequence Cards
(Bacteria Example)
Misconception #4: Evolution is Linear & Intentional
Natural selection and evolution are NOT linear.

Evolution is random and unintentional, the organisms dont choose their

adaptations.

There isnt a perfect or ultimate

organim.
Types of Adaptations
Structural Adaptations

- Physical mutations or alterations that

happen to the body of the organism
- Requires a change in the DNA

Examples:

Humans - bigger brains

Bears - body packs on fat for winter
Types of Adaptations
Behavioral Adaptations

- Modification in the way an organism uses its

structures
- Helps the organism meet challenges in its environment
- May or may not require changes in the DNA

Examples

Change in weather - humans put on a coat

Hibernation - bears survive winter by living off fat storage
Chalk Talk:
Revisions