Evidence of Evolution Background ‘When Charles Darwin frst proposed the ida that all new species descend from an ancestor, he performed an exhaustive amount of research to provide as much evidence as possible. Today, the major pieces of evidence for this theory can be broken down into the fossil record, embryology, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology. Fossils ‘This is a series of skulls and front leg fossils of organisms believed to be ancestors of the modern-day horse. z I 5 Jo agiaa Equus Pilohippus Meryehippus Mesohippus Eohippus (oder horse) Sf | ae | | gw i 3 (Dawn Horse) Source: htp:/swww:ig [Link] 1. Give to similarities between each of the skulls that might lead to the conclusion that these are all related speci 2. What isthe biggest change in skull anatomy that occurred from the dawn horse to the modem horse? 3. What is the biggest change in leg anatomy that occurred from the dawn horse to the modern horse? LIVEWORKSHEETSEmbryology ‘Organisms that are closely related may also have physical similarities before they are even born! Take a look at the six different embryos below Hypothesize which embryo is from each of the following organisms: Species Embryo Chicken Rabbit, Tortoise Salamander Fish Source: htip:/www:[Link] Page 2 saLIVEWORKSHEETSmore developed embryos from the same organisms. Hypothesize which embryo is from cach of the following organisms: ‘Species Embryo Hu Chicken Rabbit Tortoise Salamander Fish ‘These are embryos at their most advanced stage, shortly before birth, Page 3 saLIVEWORKSHEETSFish Describe how the embryos changed for each of these organisms from their earliest to latest stages. Salamander Tortoise Rabbit Human Species Anatomical Changes From Karly to Late Stages Human Chicken Rabbit Tortoise Salamander Fish ese SsLIVEWORKSHEETS|. Look again at the six embryos in their earliest stages. Describe the patterns you see. What physical similarities exist between each of the embryos? 2. Does this suggest an evolutionary relationship? Explain [Link] embryos can be used as evidence of a ‘common ancestor between each of these six organisms, Page 5 LIVEWORKSHEETSComparative Anatomy Shown below are images of the skeletal structure of the front limbs of 6 animals: human, crocodile, whale, cat, bird, and bat, Each animal has a similar set of bones. Number each of the bones according to this key: Humerus [6 | Carpals RI Ulna 14] Metacarpals tt] Radius [3] Phalanges [5] Page 6 S8LIVEWORKSHEETSFor each animal, indicate what type of movement each li b is responsible for. Animal Primary Functions Human Using tools, picking up and holding objects Whale cat Bat Bird Crocodile ‘Compare the skeletal structure of each limb to the human arm. Relate the differences you see in form to the differences in function. Animal ‘Comparison to Human Arm in Form ‘Comparison to Human Arm in Function Whale Whale has a much shorter and thicker humerus, | The whale fin needs to be longer to help in radius, and ulna, Much longer metacarpals, ‘movement through water. Thumbs are not “Thumb has been shortened to a stub, necessary asthe fins ate not used for grasping. cat Bat Bind Crocodile Page 7 LIVEWORKSHEETS‘Compare the anatomy of the butterfly and bird wing below. Butterfly wing Bird wing 1, What is the function of each of these structures? 2. How are they different in form? Give specific differences. ‘Compare the overall body structure of the cave fish and the minnow below. Minnow |. What is the biggest, most obvious difference between the body structure of these two fish? 2. Assume the two fish came from the same original ancestor. Why might the cave fish have evolved without eyesight? 3. What kind of sensory adaptation would you hypothesize the cave fish has to allow it to navigate in a cave, including catching and eating food? Page 8 saLIVEWORKSHEETSYou have now studied three different types of anatomical structures: 4, Below are some vest been Homologous structures show individual variations on a common anatomical theme. These are seen in organisms that are closely related, |. Give an example of a homologous structure from this activity: Analogous structures have very different anatomies but similar functions. These are seen in organisms that are not necessarily closely related, but live in similar environments and have similar adaptations, Give an example of an analogous structure from this activity: Vestigial structures are anatomical remnants that were important in the organism’s ancestors, but are no longer used in the same way. Give an example of a vestigial structure from this activity: al structures found in humans. For each, hypothesize what its function may have Structure Possible function? Wisciom teeth Appendix. Muscles for moving the ear Body hair Little toe Tailbone ‘5. How are vestigial structures an example of evidence of evolution? Page 9 LIVEWORKSHEETS