EVOLUTION

Orderly change from one condition to another.

Evolution is a slow, gradual, continuous & irreversible process.

Origin of Universe

13.8 billion years ago

Origin of Earth

4.5 billion years

❑ Life appeared 500 million years after the formation of Earth,
i.e., almost four billion years back.
Primitive Earth

No atmosphere

The conditions on earth were:

❑ High temperature
❑ Volcanic eruptions
❑ Lightening
❑ Unstable radioactive elements
❑ UV rays
❑ Reducing atmosphere containing CH4, NH3, etc.
Theories for Origin of Life

1. Special creation
2. Cosmic panspermia
3. Abiogenesis/Spontaneous generation
4. Biogenesis
5. Oparin-Haldane’s/Modern Theory
 Theories for Origin of Life

Special creation Cosmic panspermia

Abiogenesis/Spontaneous generation Biogenesis

Louis Pasteur’s Swan Neck Flask Experiment

Louis Pasteur demonstrated –

Life comes only from pre-existing life.
Oparin – Haldane Theory (Modern Theory)

First form of life could have come from pre-existing

non-living organic molecules. (e.g. RNA, protein, etc.)

(A) CHEMICAL EVOLUTION ( Chemogeny )

(B) BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION ( Biogeny )

 Oparin-Haldane Theory

ATOMIC STAGE (4.5 bya)

C, H, O, N, Cl, F, He, Ar etc.

Chemogeny
MOLECULAR STAGE
H2O (vapour), NH3, CO2, CO, N2, H2, CH4, HCN, Cyanides, Carbides, Nitrides

SIMPLE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (i) Atomic Stage

Aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, pentose, hexose, amino acids, glycerol,
fatty acids, purines and pyrimidines
(ii) Molecular Stage (Inorganic Stage)
COMPLEX ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Protein (non-structural & non-enzymatic), polysaccharides, fats/lipids,
nucleotides ® Nucleic acids (non-replicable)
(iii) Simple Organic Stage (monomers/ biomicromolecules)

SUN
(iv) Complex Organic Stage (polymers/ biomacromolecules)
CLOUD

RAIN

EARLY GASES LIGHTENING RADIATIONS

N-BASES
NUCLEOTIDES
(PURINES &
H2 PYRIMIDINES)
SUGARS POLYSACCHARIDES
HIGH
Primitive oceans
NH3 AMINO ACIDS PROTEINS
TEMPERATURE
Hot dilute soup/
HCN GLYCEROL
FATS/LIPIDS
pre biotic soup
H2O FATTY ACIDS

CH4
Stanley Miller Experiment
Q. In 1953, S. L. Miller created primitive earth conditions in the
laboratory and gave experimental evidence for the origin of the
first form of life from pre-existing non-living organic molecules.
The primitive earth conditions created include:
(1) Low temperature, volcanic storms, atmosphere rich in oxygen
(2) Low temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere
(3) High temperature, volcanic storms, non-reducing atmosphere
(4) High temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere
containing CH4, NH3, etc.

Ans. (4)
 Biological Evolution (Biogeny)

(i) Origin of Protobionts

Macromolecules which were synthesized abiotically in primitive

oceans later came together and formed large colloidal drop like
structures named as protobionts.

Macromolecules
Water Film Lipid
membrane

Protein

Coacervates Microspheres
(ii) Origin of Protocells (Eobionts)

Non-Replicating Mutation Self-Replicating

Nucleic Acid Nucleic Acid

Self-Replicating Nucleic
Nucleoproteins
Acid + Proteins

Nucleoproteins were the first sign of life.

1st form of Life : Eobiont – non-cellular

These first non-cellular forms of life could have originated

3 billion years ago.
(iii) Origin of First Cellular Form (Prokaryotes)

As a result of mutation, protocells became more complex and

efficient to use the materials available in the surrounding medium
and evolved into prokaryotic cells 2BYA; Chemoheterotroph and
anaerobic.

mutation
RNA DNA

organized
Ribozymes & Proteins Ribosomes
It includes some major changes like-

Atmosphere of earth changed from reducing to oxidizing, hence

possibilities of further chemical evolution finished, because
chemical evolution always takes place in reducing environment.

Free O2 oxidized CH4 and NH3 to form CO2, N2 and H2O, etc.

Some prokaryotes adapted themselves for aerobic mode of

respiration which provides approximately 20 times more energy
than anaerobic respiration.

Accumulation of free oxygen formed a layer of ozone in the outer

atmosphere of the earth.
(iv) Origin of Eukaryotic cell

Nucleus, mitochondria, and other cell organelles developed in the

cell, and the cell became metabolically more active. 1.5BYA
A Brief Account of Evolution

• Universe originated about 13.8 bya.

• Solar system and earth were formed about 4.5 bya.
• Life appeared ablut 4 bya.
• Non-cellular form of life appeared – 3 bya.
• First cellular form of life – 2 bya.
 Evidences for Organic Evolution

1. Palaeontological evidences
2. Comparative anatomy and morphology
3. Vestigial organs
4. Atavism (Reversion)
5. Connecting links
6. Biochemistry
7. Embryology
8. Biogeographical distribution of organisms
 1. Palaeontological Evidences

❑ Fossils are impression or remains of hard parts of life-forms

found in rocks
❑ Process of fossilization

We find fossils
mostly in this form
Recent sediments
Newer fossils (simple + complex)

Geological history and biological history

Some represent extinct Existed in a
organisms particular
geological period

Different sediments
contain different fossils

Life forms vary over

period

Older fossils (usually simpler)

Oldest sediments
Evolution (Pedigree) of Horse

Equus Modern Horse 1- toe

Pliohippus Pony like 1- toe

Merychippus Donkey like 3- toes

Mesohippus Sheep like 3- toes

Eohippus Fox like 4- toes

• Amber is fossilized tree resin, which has been appreciated for its
color and natural beauty since Neolithic times
• Fossilized insects trapped in amber
Petrified fossils

❑ Petrified fossils are most common type of fossils.

Print fossils

Print fossils of an insect

Print fossils of a leaf

Fossil of Archaeopteryx

❑ Missing link between reptiles and birds

❑ Fossil was discovered by Andreas Wagner from Bavaria in Germany

 A model of Archaeopteryx
Q
B
R

P
A

Reptilian characters Avian characters

A. Long lizard like tail with free caudal P. Forelimbs modified into
vertebrae wings

B. Teeth present in jaw Q. Feathers on body

C. Weak sternum R. Jaws modified into beak
D. Non pneumatic bones S. Hind limbs built in avian plan
 Geological Time Scale

❑ Chronological order of the history of organic evolution on earth

❑ Total age of earth 4.5 billion years

Divided into
6 - Eras

Divided into

Periods

Divided into

Epochs
 GEOLOGICAL TIME SCALE

Era Period Epochs Life forms

COENOZOIC Ice age.
QUATERNARY
(Age of Birds, Holocene Angiosperms, birds and mammals are
(Age of Man)
Mammals and dominant
Angiosperms) TERTIARY Early primates
Dinosaur Extinction, Early flowering plants,
CRETACEOUS
Appearance of modern birds

MESOZOIC (Age JURASSIC (Golden Golden age of Dinosaurs & conifers,

of Reptiles) age of Dinosaurs) Archeopteryx appeared
First dinosaurs
TRIASSIC First mammals

PERMIAN Synapsids (Mammal like reptiles)

Fern and seed plant
CARBONIFEROUS
Golden age of Amphibia
DEVONIAN Golden age of fishes
PALAEOZOIC
SILURIAN Golden age of jawless fishes
ORDOVICIAN Golden age of marine Invertebrates

CAMBRIAN Trilobites (Extinct arthropods) were dominant

PRECAMBIAN Multicellular organism appeared

Origin of life Early bacteria(stromatolites)
A Brief account of evolution:
❑ First cellular forms of life – 2000 mya

❑ Invertebrates were formed – 500 mya

❑ Jawless fishes – 350 mya

❑ Sea weeds and few plants – 320 mya.

❑ The first organisms that invaded land were plants. They were
widespread on land when animals invaded land.

❑ The first mammals (primates) were like shrews.

❑ Giant ferns (pteridophytes) were present but they all fell to form
coal deposits slowly.
Mammals Birds
Extincted
Intelligent, 65mya
viviparous
Dinosaurs
Went back to water
Extincted Ichthyosaurs (200mya)
Early Reptiles
Turtles, Tortoises,
Extincted crocodiles
Early Amphibians Frogs, Salamanders

Coelacanth or lobefins
Thought to be extinct
Caught in S. Africa (1938)
Could move on land
 Triceratops

Tyrannosaurus
Pteranodon

Crocodilian

Archaeopteryx

Stegosaurus Brachiosaurus

Thecodont
A Brief Account of Evolution

About 65 mya, the dinosaurs suddenly disappeared from the earth.

When reptiles came down mammals took over the earth.

Q. Match List I with List II. NEET 2024
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
List I List II
A. Mesozoic Era I. Lower invertebrates
B. Proterozoic Era II. Fish & Amphibia
C. Cenozoic Era III. Birds & Reptiles
D. Paleozoic Era IV Mammals

(1) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

(2) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
(3) A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
(4) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Ans. (4)
Q. What is the correct order (old to recent) of periods in Palaeozoic
era ? NEET 2024
(1) Silurian, Devonian, Permian, Carboniferous
(2) Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian
(3) Permian, Devonian, Silurian, Carboniferous
(4) Silurian, Carboniferous, Permian, Devonian

Ans. (2)
2. Evidences from Comparative Morphology & Anatomy

Homology Analogy

Indicates common ancestry Does not indicate common ancestry

based on divergent evolution based on convergent evolution

Formation of multiple Different group of organisms

species from a common have similar adaptive features
ancestral species due to similar habitat or towards
the same function
 HOMOLOGOUS STRUCTURES
Homologous Organs

IN ANIMALS IN PLANTS

Human Cat Horse Bat Whale

❑ Forelimbs of mammals ❑ Thorn of Bougainvillea
❑ Vertebrates hearts and tendril of Cucurbita
❑ Potato and Ginger-both
❑ Vertebrates brain
are modified shoot
❑ Mouth parts of insects
❑ Radish and Carrot-both
❑ Testes in male and are modified roots
Bougainvillea Cucurbita ovaries in female
Molecular Homology

Evidence from biochemistry.

Similarities in proteins and genes performing a given function

among diverse organisms give clues to common ancestry.

For example, the plasma proteins found in the blood of man

and apes are similar.
Adaptive Divergence

The process of evolution of different species in a given

geographical area, starting from a point and literally radiating to
other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation.
Marsupial radiation

Placental radiation

Darwin’s finches
Darwin’s Finches :
During the journey of Galapagos Islands, Darwin observed an
amazing diversity of creatures. Of particular interest, small black
birds later called Darwin's Finches, amazed him.
Sugar glider/ Tasmanian wolf
Flying phalanger

Tiger cat

Marsupial mole Marsupial

Radiation
Banded anteater/
Numbat

Koala Marsupial rat

Bandicoot Wombat Kangaroo

Placental Mammals-

Flying squirrel
Wolf

Mole Bobcat
Placental
Radiation
Anteater
Rabbit

Mouse

Lemur Deer
Brown bear
Q. Which evolutionary phenomenon is depicted by the sketch given
figure? NEET 2024

(1) Artificial selection

(2) Genetic drift
(3) Convergent evolution
(4) Adaptive radiation

Ans. (4)
Analogy

Similar habitats that have resulted in the selection of similar

adaptive features in different groups of organisms but toward
the same function.

Analogy doesn't indicate common ancestry.

Analogy is based upon convergent evolution.

Analogy

Examples

Wings of butterflies and birds

Eye of the octopus and mammal
Flippers of Dolphins & Penguins
Sweet potato & potato
Convergent evolution or Adaptive convergence:

When more than one adaptive radiation appears to have occurred

in an isolated geographical area (representing different habitats),
this can be called convergent evolution.

E.g. Wolf (placental) and Tasmanian wolf (marsupial)

Adaptive convergence or convergent evolution
Parallel Evolution

Parallel evolution occurs when two independent, but similar

species evolve in the same direction and thus independently
acquire similar characteristics.

E.g.
(i) Australian marsupials and corresponding placental mammals.
(ii) Evolution of human brain and language.
Difference between Homology and Analogy

Homology Analogy

Common origin Different origin

Different embryonic
Same embryonic development
development

Same fundamental structure Different fundamental structure

Same or different functions Always same functions

Homologous structures Analogous structures

Divergent Evolution Convergent Evolution

Doesn’t represent common

Represent Common ancestry
ancestry
 3. Vestigial Organs

❑ The organs which are present in reduced form and do not

perform any function in the body but are functional in related
animals are called vestigial organs.

Example (i) Nictitating membrane (plica semilunaris)

(ii) Muscles of pinna (auricular muscles)
(iii) Vermiform appendix (Caecum)
(iv) Coccyx [Last caudal vertebrae]
 4. Atavism (Reversion)

❑ Sometimes in some individuals such characters suddenly

appears which were supposed to be present in their ancestors
but were lost during the course of evolution, this phenomenon is
known as atavism or reversion.

Example (i) Tail in new born baby

(ii) Extra long and pointed canine teeth
(iii) Long and thick body
(iv) Extra nipples in female hair
 5. Connecting Links

❑ Some organisms possess characters of two separate groups

called as connecting links, which proves that members of higher
groups have evolved from the lower group.

Example Virus : Connecting link between Non-living & Living

Euglena : Connecting link between plants & animals
Proterospongia : Connecting link between protozoa & porifera
Neopilina : Connecting link between annelida & Mollusca
Peripatus : Connecting link between annelida & arthropoda
Balanoglossus : Connecting link between non chordata & chordata
Chimera : Connecting link between cartilagenous & bony fishes
Protopterus : Connecting link between fishes and amphibia
(Lung fish)
Seymouria : Connecting link between amphibia and reptilia
Archaeopteryx : Connecting link between reptilia and aves
Platypus : Connecting link between reptilia and mammalia
Echidna : Connecting link between reptilia and mammalia
6. Biochemistry

Similarities in proteins and genes performing a given function among

diverse organisms give clues to common ancestry.

Composition and structure of protoplasm, enzymes, hormones, DNA,

blood in chordates is also almost same. It shows that organisms
shared ancestors in recent or distant past.
7. Embryology

Baer’s law: In embryonic stages general characters appear firstly

and specialized characters appear later
7. Embryology

Muller’s Recapitulation theory:

“Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”
During embryonic development (ontogeny), an embryo passes
through its evolutionary history (phylogeny).
Ernst Haeckel’s Biogenetic law: An organism shows its ancestral
adult stages during its embryonic development.

Example:
Tadpole of amphibians resembles fishes
Heart of higher vertebrates (birds and mammals) firstly appears 2-
chambered (fish like),Than 3-chambered (amphibia and reptilia like)
and finally appears as 4-chambered during development.

Note
Haeckel’s proposal was disproved by Von Baer. He observed that
embryos never pass through the adult stages of other animals
8. Biogeography Distribution

The study of geographical distribution of animals and plant species

Pangea/supercontinent Continental drift

Continents
Q. Match List-I with List-II. NEET 2024
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
List I List II
A. Living Fossil I. Elongated canine teeth
B. Connecting Link II. Vermiform appendix
C. Vestigial Organ III. Echidna
D. Atavism IV Latimeria
(1) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
(2) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
(3) A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
(4) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

Ans. (1)