Unit Topic : Evolution and Classification
Broad Concept: Evolution and biodiversity are the results of changes in a population that occur in constantly changing environments.
Objectives:
Theories of Evolution: Lamarck vs. Darwin

Compare and contrast Lamarck and Darwin’s theories of evolution and identity which theory is most accepted today

Explain and give an example of an acquired trait

Describe who Darwin was, his voyage on the Beagle, his study and conclusion of the
Galapagos Finches
 Explain Darwin’s Theories: Descent with Modification and Natural Selection (adapt, fitness, adaptive advantage)
Evidence for Evolution
• Interpret evolutionary relationships between species using fossils, homologous, analogous and vestigial structures, embryonic development, and similarity in macromolecules to conclude relatedness between organisms
Population Genetics
 Define gene pool, allele frequency and genetic equilibrium
 Describe the five factors that disrupt genetic equilibrium causing evolution

Identify the three types of Natural Selection (stabilizing, directional, disruptive) by predicting on a graph the variation of traits within the population after natural selection has taken place
 Describe sexual selection
Speciation

Describe and identify limitations of morphological and Biological concepts of specie

Integrate ideas from the morphological species concept and biological species concept to define what a specie is

Describe geographical and reproductive isolation and how they lead to the formation of a new species

Contrast gradualism and punctuated rates of speciation

Distinguish between patterns of evolution: co-evolution, divergent and convergent evolution
Classification
 Define Taxonomy and describe Carolus Linneaeus’ contribution to classification

List the seven levels of classification in proper order

Know how to correctly write a scientific name-- binomial nomenclature

Use a Phylogenetic Tree to show evolutionary relationships

Know the characteristics of the seven kingdoms and how they are characterized into three domains

Review Questions:
A: Darwin vs. Lamarck
1. What is an acquired trait? Do acquired traits change the genotype of an organism?
2. Describe how both Darwin and Lamarck would explain how giraffes got a long neck.
3. Describe the three main sources of variation within a population.
4. If a trait increases an organism’s ability to survive but NOT its ability to reproduce is that organism have a high “fitness”? Explain
5. Draw the bell curve that represents traits for most populations. One the same graph using different colors label what stabilizing, directional and disruptional selection due to the population.
B: Evidence for Evolution
1. Fruit fly embryos and frog embryos differ from each other more than frog embryos and human embryos do. What does this tell you about how the three species are related?
2. What do vestigial structures suggest?
3. The hemoglobin of humans is nearly identical to that of a gorilla. What does this suggest about the length of time that has passed since the last common ancestor of humans and gorillas lived?
4. What are homologous structures? Give an example and explain how they prove common ancestry.
C: Speciation
1. Which pattern of evolution most likely results in the formation of a new species, co-evolution, divergent or convergent? Explain.
2. What is a shortcoming of the biological species concept?
3. Define today’s concept of a species.
4. How can geographic isolation lead to speciation?
5. How can reproductive isolation lead to speciation?
6. Contrast the two different hypothesis to the rate of speciation: gradual vs. punctuated
D: Classification
1. What are the seven levels of organization that Lennaeues used to categorize organisms.
2. Write your name the way it would appear scientifically.
3. List three three domains and which kingdom belongs to which domain. Write a defining characteristic for each kingdom.