Evidence
for the Pattern Portion of Evolutionary Theory
Explain how Linnean classification demonstrates a pattern of evolutionary relationship among species
Similar species in
genus, similar genera in family, similar families in orders, similar orders in
classes. Higher taxonomic groups = more
distant common ancestor.
Be able to
convert a Linnean classification of organisms into a graphical representation
of relationship.
Explain how similarities in anatomy in groups demonstrates a pattern of evolutionary relationship
Example:
similar bones in similar positions in vertebrate forelimbs
Explain
how biochemical similarities demonstrate a pattern of evolutionary relationship
Similarity in amino
acid sequence and DNA sequence parallels relationship based on morphological
characteristics
Examples:
All cells: genetic code, DNA polymerase, basic transcription and translation
apparatus
All
eukaryotes: same basic organelles, same chromosome structure, etc.
Describe biogeographical patterns that indicate that organisms have changed through time
Darwin’s finches: We
could understand biological distributions if we assumed that all organisms of a
particular species or higher group had migrated from a common place of origin.
Other examples:
continental endemism, fossil succession
Explain how the presence of vestigial structures is evidence that organisms have changed through time.
Be able to apply your understanding of the patterns listed above to a novel set of observations
For example, testing a
relationship implied by a Linnean classification.
Know that observed changes in modern species are evidence that change in species has continuously occurred.
Know the ways in which that the fossil record provides evidence that organisms have changed through time
Temporal succession of forms, existence of
transitional fossils provides a record of evolutionary change
Describe how
radiometric dating can allow us to put absolute dates on the geologic column
Constant
rate of radioactive decay provides a “clock” that begins running when a
volcanic rock is formed
Be able to calculate the approximate age of a
fossil, given data about ˝ life and relative amounts of various elements and
information about index fossils found nearby.