Evolution Links 

Chapter 15 The Theory of Evolution And 14-2 The Origin of Life Expectations

By the end of the chapter you should have the following completed:

1.     Be able to define and give an example when appropriate of:

Group A: Charles Darwin, evolution, natural selection, artificial selection, variations,  Lamark^°, Wallace^°

Group B:  adaptation, structural adaptation, mimicry,  homologous structure, physiological adaptations, vestigal structure

Group C:  gene pool, allelic frequency, genetic equilibrium, mutations, genetic drift, sexual selection, stabilizing selection, directional selection, disruptive selection

Group D: speciation, geographic isolation, reproductive isolation, polyploid, gradualism, punctuated equilibrium, adaptive radiation, divergent evolution (divergence), parallel evolution^°, convergent evolution (convergence), coevolution^°

Group E:  spontaneous generation, Redi’s experiment, Pasteur’s experiment, Oparin’s hypothesis, Miller and Urey’s experiment, Fox’s experiment, protocell, biogenesis, heterotrophs, autotrophs, Archaebacteria

^°Indicates words not covered in your text but will be covered in chapter notes

2.     All sections of the reading should be read with the goal of being able to discuss/explain the information contained in them.

15.1 Natural selection and the evidence for evolution

15.2    Mechanisms for evolution

14.2 The origin of Life

3.      Have the following concept review questions completely answered:

Group 1 Charles Darwin and Natural Selection

1. Compare and contrast artificial selection with natural selection.

2. What is meant by evolution by natural selection?

3. Name two organisms that helped Darwin formulate his theory and tell why each contributed to his theory.

4. Explain Lamark’s mechanism of evolution and give evidence as to why it is false.

5. What was the catalyst for Darwin to publish his theory after working on it for 20 years?

Group 2 Adaptations: Evidence for Evolution and Other Evidence for Evolution

1. What is an adaptation?

2. How are adaptations important to the survival of an individual and the continuation of a species?

3. Explain how the peppered moth case study supports Darwin’s theory of evolution.

4. What are homologous structures and how do they support the theory of evolution?

5. How does embryonic development support the theory of evolution?

6. Why is genetic evidence the strongest evidence yet to support the theory of evolution?

Group 3 Population Genetics and Evolution

1. Can an individual organism evolve?

2. What is genetic equilibrium and how does it affect a species evolution?

3. What are 3 factors that can disrupt genetic equilibrium?

Group 4 Evolution of Species and Patterns of Evolution

1.   What are 2 things that need to happen for speciation to occur?

2. Explain reproductive isolation and why it is necessary for speciation.

3. What is polyploidy and in what group of organisms was it particularly helpful in the area of evolution?

4. Compare and contrast gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.

6.  What is adaptive radiation and how does it occur?

7.  Compare and contrast divergent evolution and convergent evolution.

8. What is coevolution and give an example that illustrates it.

9. How does parallel evolution occur?

Group 5 The Origin of Life

1. How did Pasteur’s experiment finally disprove spontaneous generation?

2. What was Oparin’s hypothesis and how was it tested experimentally?

3. Why do scientists think the first living cells were anaerobic heterotrophs?

4.  How did life begin on the earth anyway?  Give the major events scientists believe contributed to the evolution of life on earth.

4.     Labs to be handed in with discussion questions written out and answered in complete sentences:

Natural Selection – A Simulation

Problem Solving Lab 15-1  How can natural selection be observed?

Beaks Lab

Minilab 15.2 collecting data p. 415

5.     Know how to convert from one unit to another in the metric system using factor label method.

6.     Be able to give the contributions of various scientists to the field of evolution.

7.     Distinguish between the different types of evolution (i.e. convergence, divergence, coevolution, parallel evolution) and give an example of each

8.     Know what the metric prefixes mean and be able to apply their meaning in a mathematically problem.

9.  Be able to construct a bar graph using the correct graphing procedure.  Click on the link if you need a reminder on how to construct a graph correctly.

10.   Record the material covered in class notes and commit it to memory.

  Extra credit (up to 3 pts)

To be eligible for extra credit, all homework must be completed on time for the unit.

Write a short biography of Charles Darwin.  Include major events in his personal life as well as his scientific career.  Please type your paper using 12 pt. font, black ink and having 1-inch margins maximum on your paper.

Evolution Links                                                  Top                                      

Cells:  Origins

    Information and pictures dealing with the origin of cells on earth.

Development of Evolutionary Theory

    Information dealing with major contributors to modern evolutionary theory.

The Modern View of Evolution

    A look at evolution with a modern understanding of genetics.

Darwin and Evolution Overview

    Lots of links related to Darwin and Evolutionary theory.

Evolution and the Origins of Life

   Site not limited to links to evolution material but also links for general biology, Plant biology, and also fungus pictures.  Weird.

UCMP Exhibit Halls : Welcome to the Evolution Wing

    Nice site that explores the theory of evolution and its history.  Links to pages on major scientists that have some role or link to the development of modern evolutionary theory.

Evolutionary Biology Resources

    Tons of links related to evolution.  Some are really technical but worth a look.

Scopes Monkey Trial

   Website dedicated to the famous trial in which the teaching of evolution in public schools was challenged in a court of law.  Interesting.