Evolution

The Theory of Evolution

Why is evolution considered a
THEORY?
A theory is accepted as a valid explanation
of our observations, however, it can still be
revised as new evidence is gathered.
In science, a theory is an explanatory
model that accounts for a very large body
of evidence.

Activity: Puzzling over Evidence

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2.
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7.

Obtain a puzzle envelope from your teacher and 5 blank jigsaw pieces
With a partner, remove 15 pieces at random from your envelope (DO
NOT LOOK AT THE REMAINING PIECES)
Attempt to arrange puzzle pieces. What is your puzzle a picture of?
Remove 2 more puzzle pieces and incorporate them into your puzzle.
Make a prediction about one of the missing puzzle pieces. Using one
of your blank pieces, draw a picture of your predicted puzzle piece, and
put it in place.
Repeat steps 4 & 5 four more times (until you have all the puzzle
pieces). Each time you take out 2 more pieces, you must ADD a new
blank piece with your predictions on what the missing piece looks like.
Make note of any matches between the new puzzle pieces and the
drawings you inserted.

Activity: Puzzling over Evidence

QUESTIONS:
1.Were all puzzle pieces equally useful, or were some

pieces of evidence more valuable than others?

2.How accurate were your drawings (predictions) of the
gaps in evidence?
3.Scientists gain confidence in theories as they accumulate
evidence and test hypotheses. How does this activity model
the relationship between evidence and theories?

Evolution
The change in characteristics of a population over time

(note: individuals DO NOT evolve)

How do populations change, how are new species

formed?
It all begins with MUTATIONS
Changes in the sequence of nucleotides that
change the gene and ultimately how the
organism appears or functions
Increase the genetic variability in a population

 Mutations can be:

HARMFUL
most mutations, causes disorders or death
NEUTRAL
provide no benefit or harm
BENEFICIAL
very rare
increase an individuals chance of survival
allow increased reproductive success have more babies

that carry the same mutation, thus the mutation

accumulates in the population.

Example of Beneficial Mutation

Antibiotic resistance
Arises from a random mutation
In an environment with antibiotics, this mutation is

beneficial
These bacteria successfully reproduce and eventually
outnumber non-resistant bacteria

Artificial Selection
For centuries humans have been using the genetic

variability of a population to artificially increase the

abundance of a particular trait in that population
Breeders select individuals with desired traits and only
allow those individuals to produce offspring.
Ex. dog breeding, agriculture (to create sweet fruit,
seeds rich in oil), flowers, etc.

How much change can artificial

selection create?
An experiment that started in 1896

attempted to test the effect of artificial

selection on oil content of corn seeds.
Corn seeds started at 5%
Corn selected for HIGH oil content

increased to 18% over 76 years

Corn selected for LOW oil content
decreased to less than 1% over 76 years

Limitations of Artificial Selection

Cannot create traits that dont already exist in some form

in the population
Breeders must work with genetic diversity that already
exists
BUT new mutations with new traits may randomly arise
If trait not naturally available, may resort to genetic
engineering
Expensive
Can result in other undesirable traits (ex. Strawberries
that could grow in colder weather also were white on the
inside)

Homework
p 287 # 1-4, 7-9