Some Evidence for Evolution
Fossils are remains of once living organisms. They are important pieces of evidence to support the theory that life on earth has evolved. Fossils found that are unlike present day organisms suggest major changes have taken place on Earth. Scientists use various radioactive dating techniques to predict the age of fossils. Not all fossils lived on Earth at the same time, suggesting various species evolved from earlier ones and many organisms share a common ancestor.
Looking at the time scale of fossil records. Answer the questions below:
1. How long ago did the first fish appear?
2. How long ago did the reptiles appear?
3. When did dinosaurs appear on Earth? What even do you think occurred during Cretaceous Extinction?
4.. How long ago did the first mammal appear?
5. Can you see a pattern of the rise and extinction of organism in each time period? Explain.
This article has more information on fossil evidence. http://www.sciencearchive.org.au/nova/newscientist/027ns_003.htm
1. How long ago did the first fish appear?
2. How long ago did the reptiles appear?
3. When did dinosaurs appear on Earth? What even do you think occurred during Cretaceous Extinction?
4.. How long ago did the first mammal appear?
5. Can you see a pattern of the rise and extinction of organism in each time period? Explain.
This article has more information on fossil evidence. http://www.sciencearchive.org.au/nova/newscientist/027ns_003.htm
Comparing Embryos
Comparing the embryos of different animals, you can see some similarities. In particular, studying the early stages of vertebrate development suggests genes controlling early growth of vertebrates could come from a common ancestor. When embryos start to show differences as they develop further; genes unique to each vertebrate control these developments.
Anatomy Similarities
Darwin suggested comparing anatomical structures among living organisms from common ancestors.
Anatomy Similarities
Darwin suggested comparing anatomical structures among living organisms from common ancestors.
Looking at the image above.
1. What do you think are the specific functions for each forelimb?
2. What's another vertebrate body part that can be used for comparisons?
1. What do you think are the specific functions for each forelimb?
2. What's another vertebrate body part that can be used for comparisons?
Further readings:
http://faculty.massasoit.mass.edu/whanna/122_assets/media/Homologous_limb_evo.swf
Look at website link to further your understanding on different types of evidence to support Darwin's theories.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/sreport_flash/evolution-interactive.swf
Choose four types of evidence to look at in detail, write a brief summary for each evidence. List a few examples for each piece of evidence.
Note and Questions adapted from:
Stannard, P. & Williamson,K. (2000). Species Survival. In Stannard, P. & Williamson,K. (2nd ed.), ScienceWorld 10 (pp. 198-200). South Yarra, Vic. : Macmillan Education Australia
http://faculty.massasoit.mass.edu/whanna/122_assets/media/Homologous_limb_evo.swf
Look at website link to further your understanding on different types of evidence to support Darwin's theories.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/sreport_flash/evolution-interactive.swf
Choose four types of evidence to look at in detail, write a brief summary for each evidence. List a few examples for each piece of evidence.
Note and Questions adapted from:
Stannard, P. & Williamson,K. (2000). Species Survival. In Stannard, P. & Williamson,K. (2nd ed.), ScienceWorld 10 (pp. 198-200). South Yarra, Vic. : Macmillan Education Australia