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Evolution Evidence

The document discusses organic evolution, defining it as the hypothesis that all organisms are genealogically connected and have changed over time, with Darwin's concept of 'descent with modification' as a key idea. It outlines two main objectives of 'The Origin': to convince readers of the occurrence of evolution and to present natural selection as its primary mechanism. The document also lists various forms of evidence for evolution, including biogeography, fossil records, comparative anatomy, and observed small-scale changes.

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Ranjith Ntr
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16 views28 pages

Evolution Evidence

The document discusses organic evolution, defining it as the hypothesis that all organisms are genealogically connected and have changed over time, with Darwin's concept of 'descent with modification' as a key idea. It outlines two main objectives of 'The Origin': to convince readers of the occurrence of evolution and to present natural selection as its primary mechanism. The document also lists various forms of evidence for evolution, including biogeography, fossil records, comparative anatomy, and observed small-scale changes.

Uploaded by

Ranjith Ntr
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Evolution:

Evidence and mechanisms

Organic Evolution

Definitions: The hypothesis that


all organisms on Earth are
connected by bonds of genealogy
and have changed through time.

Darwin: “descent with


modification”

1
The Origin tried to do 2 things:
• 1) Convince the reader that evolution has
occurred and is an adequate explanation for
observations about life.
• 2) Convince the reader that a particular
mechanism – natural selection – is the main
cause of evolution.

2
The occurrence of evolution
(“the fact of evolution”)
…
mechanism by which evolution
occurs.

Evidence for Evolution


• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

3
Evidence for Evolution
• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

Biogeography
as evidence for evolution
• Species are distributed in patterns that
indicate history.
– 1) Species are different in widely separated
similar environments.
– 2) Species are absent from environments they
could inhabit.
– 3) Similar (closely related) species are often
found near each other.

4
5
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Toucan (Neotropics)
Hornbill (SE Asia)

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Philippines

Brazil

8
Great Barrier Reef
Australia

Florida Keys

Evidence for Evolution


• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

9
The Fossil Record
as evidence for evolution
• Patterns of biological succession indicate
continuity with change
– 1) Large-scale patterns
– 2) Small-scale patterns

10
Archaeopteryx and modern pigeon

Archaeopteryx
Compsognathus

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Evidence for Evolution
• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

14
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Evidence for Evolution
• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

Comparative anatomy as
evidence of evolution
(features of organisms that do not
seem to reflect current function:
“imperfections”)
1) homologies
2) embryology
3) vestigial organs

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3-4 weeks

5-6 weeks

22
#2030 hip bones

Evidence for Evolution


• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

23
Observed small-scale change
as evidence of evolution

• 1) in domesticated organisms
• 2) in the lab
• 3) in nature

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Evidence for Evolution
• 1) Biogeography
• 2) Fossil record
• 3) Classification
• 4) Comparative Anatomy
• 5) Observed small-scale changes
• 6) Genetics

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