Descent with Modification
.
Research in Ecology
A tale of bacteria.
WHERE DID FLESH-EATING
BACTERIA COME FROM?
Microevolution!
(Genetic change in populations over generations.)
Lots of things evolve.

Cars
Lots of things evolve.

Languages
Lots of things evolve.

Hair styles
Lots of things evolve.

Religions
Organic evolution

Is the change—over generations—of
populations of living things.
Theodosius
Dobzhansky,
Geneticist
(1900 – 1975)
“Nothing in Biology
makes sense, except in
the light of evolution.”
-- Theodosius Dobzhansky
Do you believe
in evolution?
Dr. Krempels sez…
NO
Why not?

Observable evidence provided by radiometric dating
and other scientific methods make me accept the fact
that the Earth is billions of years old.
Physical evidence: DNA & morphological homology
Physical evidence: Embryo development homology
Physical evidence: Biogeography and fossil evidence
Remember…

Science is based on knowledge gained by
observation of physical evidence.

Religion is based on faith in that which cannot be
observed.

Unlike religious dogma, scientific inferences are
subject to revision as new data become available.

So, to answer your question: No, I do not believe in
evolution. I accept it as the most logical explanation
for observable fact.

Belief is not an issue.
What is evolution?
Is evolution
“only a theory?”
What is evolution?


What is an “evolutionist”?
Or a “Darwinist” ?

Evolution is a process.

Darwin was a person.
 (His ideas are Darwinian.)
What is evolution?

Definition of IDEOLOGY
 a : a systematic body of concepts
especially about human life or culture
 b : a manner or the content of thinking
characteristic of an individual, group, or
culture
 c : the integrated assertions, theories
and aims that constitute a sociopolitical
program
What is evolution?

Evolution is NOT an ideology.

Evolution is an observable,
natural process.
What is Evolution?
evolution - change over time
 organic evolution - change in living
populations over time

microevolution - genetic changes
within a species over time
 macroevolution - generation of new
species from a common ancestral
lineage over time

Common misconceptions
“Evolution is a theory about the
Origin of Life.”
INCORRECT!
evolution is how life changes,
not how it got here.
Common misconceptions
Let’s take a nominations:
Which species is
the most highly evolved?
Common misconceptions

“Evolution is a process by which species
become better over time.”
INCORRECT!
Common misconceptions

“Evolution is a process by which species
become better over time.”
Evolution has no value system.
Much of it happens due to random chance!
Common misconceptions

“Evolution is driven by organisms’ need for
a particular trait.”
INCORRECT!
Common misconceptions

“Evolution is driven by organisms’ need for
a particular trait.”


An adaptive trait will be passed on to the next
generation.
But a species won’t be given the gift of an
adaptive trait just because it “needs” it.
Common misconceptions

“Humans evolved from monkeys.”
INCORRECT!
•Living species don’t evolve
from each other.
•But related species share a
common ancestor.
If you’re sitting here…
You are the product of successful
ancestors who passed their
adaptive traits on to you.
This is true of all living things,
From the most
flamboyant vertebrates
…to the humblest bacteria.
Evolution by means of
Natural Selection.
Any questions?