5.1: Evidence for Evolution
Teaching time: 2 hours Practical time: 1 hour (peppered moth simulation)
Key vocabulary
prior learning and retrieval practice
Review topic 3.1 Genes
Evolution
The Evidence For Evolution
TOK Link: David Attenborough claims here that there is more evidence for evolution than there is for the existence of William the Conqueror.
U1: Evolution occurs when heritable characteristics of a species change.
Exercise 3: Define evolution. Explain what is meant by a heritable characteristic.
U2: The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
Exercise 4: Outline how the fossil record provides evidence for evolution
U3: Selective breeding of domesticated animals shows that artificial selection can cause evolution.
Exercise 5: Explain the concept of selective breeding and how it can cause evolution
Homologous structures: The pentadactyl limb
U4: Evolution of homologous structures by adaptive radiation explains similarities in structure when there are differences in function.
A2: Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles with different methods of locomotion.
NoS: Looking for patterns, trends and discrepancies—there are common features in the bone structure of vertebrate limbs despite their varied use. (3.1)
Exercise 6: Compare the structure of the pentadactyl limb of mammals below. How is it adapted in each group to the function of locomotion?
Gradual Divergance
U5: Populations of a species can gradually diverge into separate species by evolution.
U6: Continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations matches the concept of gradual divergence.
Exercise 7: Explain how populations can gradually diverge into separate species by evolution. Explain what is mean't by continuous variation.
Peppered moth simulation
A1: Development of melanistic insects in polluted areas.
Exercise 8: Complete the exercise below
