Science Evolution

Year 10 Science - EVOLUTION

ASSIGNMENT

Evolution means the development of more complex living things from simpler ones. Evolution is organisms changing over time to accommodate a change in environment. Changes can be living or non-living and include such things as weather, availability of food and shelter or even mutating diseases.

Many fossils of other animals intermediate in form between two groups suggest that one group has developed from the other, these always occur in rocks of an age. Fossils of the reptile-like bird Archaeopteryx shown in Figure A are only found in Jurassic sedimentary rocks. Evidence for evolution is found in fossil records.

In Figure B, the development of embryos, it shows us the early stage, and late stage. All of the early stages are similar, but due to changes in living conditions and such they have evolved. Evidence for evolution is found by studying the embryos of different groups of animals.

In Figure C, it shows us vertebrate pentadactyl limbs. Even though they are all pentadactyl limbs, they are all different. This is because through time, the different animals have changed to suit their different needs. Evidence for evolution is found by comparing various body parts of various animals.

In Figure D it shows us the changes over time of the horse hoofs. Through natural selection is the result of the recent horse hoofs. Evolution has taken place. Evidence for evolution is found by studying the distribution of sonic species.

Larmarck's theory stated that characteristics were acquired during a lifetime due to use or disuse of various parts of the body. He also claimed these acquired characteristics were passed on to offspring. For example, a giraffe acquired a long strong neck by stretching as it fed off high trees. He claimed that this strong neck was inherited by the giraffe's offspring.

During Darwin's stay of five weeks on the Galapagos Islands, he observed a species of birds called the finches. Each island of Galapagos had different species, differing mainly in size and shape of beaks. This was where he came up with the idea of natural selection.