Evolution
Changes in the genetic make-up of populations of a species over generations.
Factors that cause evolution.
Use and disuse
Belief that the environment modifies traits.E.g., a giraffe’s neck lengthens due to it stretching to reach leaves.
Inheritance of acquired traits
Belief that acquired traits are passed on to offspring.E.g., the aforementioned giraffe passes on this trait to its offspring.
Gene flow
The mixing of genes through immigration and emigration.
Genetic drift
When random changes occur in the genetic make-up of a population. Most significant in small populations.
Bottlenecking
When the original population has genetic diversity, but an event causes similar groups to be wiped out. The remaining population is very homogenous.
Non-random mating
Occurs through:- Inbreeding- Sexual selection
Hierarchy of biological order
Atom (e.g.)
Oxygen atom
Molecule (e.g.)
DNA
Organelles (e.g.)
Cell nucleus
Cells (e.g.)
Cardiac muscle cell
Tissue (e.g.)
Cardiac muscle tissue
Organ (e.g.)
Heart
Organ system (e.g.)
Circulatory system
Organism (e.g.)
Zebra
What are the smallest units of life?
Cells
Scientific method
Charles Darwin
Discovered the mechanism for evolution and developed the theory of evolution through natural selection.- Carapace shape in Galapagos tortoises- Marine iguanas adapted to eat algae- The Origin of Species- A. Wallace developed same theory
Darwinian evolution
A gradual change in populations over time as a result of natural selection.
Species survival relies on the abilities to…
Modern synthesis of evolution
Other causes of evolution