Content from the Evolution Frameworks
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Fossils provide evidence of change.
Science is based on direct and indirect observation.
Fossils are reconstructed from individual fossil pieces.
Many fossils are incomplete; not all pieces of the fossils are found. Because of bilateral
symmetry, we infer skull features based on the fossil pieces that are present.
Older fossils are found in deeper layers of the earth’s sedimentary rock; younger fossils
are found in the upper layers of the earth’s sedimentary rock.
Not all fossils are found in sedimentary rock. Some organisms become fossilized in ice or
amber.
Living fossils are present day organisms that have existed unchanged for thousands or
millions of years.
Scientists observe fossil characteristics and make inferences concerning the life of the
organism based on these observations.
The geologic time scale provides reference to when and how long organisms have existed
on planet Earth.
Physical characteristics of organisms change over time.
Changes in species occur due to natural selection, reproduction and environmental
conditions.
Physical characteristics of populations of organisms change over time due to changing
conditions, and fossils provide evidence for change.
Misconception: Evolution means man from monkey. Proper Conception: Evolution means
man from man. Evidence suggests that Homo sapiens evolved from Homo ergaster.
Misconception: Evolution no longer occurs. Proper Conception: Evolution is occurring right
now (ex. bacteria)
Misconception: Evolution is just a theory. Proper Conception: A theory in science is based on
a substantial amount of observation and fact.
Misconception: Fossil are only found in sedimentary rock. Proper Conception: Fossils can
also be found frozen in ice or preserved in amber.
Misconception: Evolution is an origin of life/a belief system. Proper Conception: Evolution is
based on observation.
Misconception: Evolution is something an organism does on purpose. Proper Conception:
Organisms that survive pass their genes on to their offspring.
Misconception: Individual organisms change to meet the needs of their environment. Proper
Conception: Nature selects who survives and who does not. Better suited organisms survive
and reproduce.
Misconception: Every organism that has every lived becomes a fossil. Proper Conception:
Few organisms fossilize when they die.