The Theory of Biological Evolution

What Is It?
1. A theory that explains the diversity of life on planet earth.
2. Evolution is the process of random change in the inherited traits of
groups of organisms from one generation to the next.
3. Evolution suggests that ALL life on planet EARTH comes from a common
ancestor, the earth is very, very old (billions of years),
that life appeared very gradually, and that life is a result of random
changes.
4. This theory was first introduced by Charles Darwin in 1859, in his famous
book, The Origin of the Species. His theory came from his observations
of finches during his trip to the Galapagos islands.
5. This theory opposes the ideas presented by creationism.

How Do These Changes Occur?

Evolution occurs through two ways: Natural selection and genetic drift through
mutation.

Natural Selection
Process where traits that are helpful for survival and reproduction become
more common in a population and harmful traits become more rare.

A trait is a physical or behavioral characteristic of an organism. E.g. eye

color.

This occurs because individuals with helpful traits are more likely to
reproduce, so more individuals in the next generation will inherit these
traits.

Over time adaptations are produced through small random changes in traits
and natural selection of traits best suited for the environment.

Adaptations are collections of useful traits that help an organism survive

and reproduce. E.g. wings, claws, long neck

Populations, Species, Organisms

A population is a group of organisms from the same species that live
together and can breed. E.g. a population of horses.
 A species is a group of organisms that can breed to produce off-spring
that can also successfully breed. Organisms of a different species cannot
breed with each other.

An organism is a single creature.

Genetic Drift
Random changes in the frequency of traits in a population, caused by
mutation.
Mutation
Mutation is a change in the sequence of nucleotides in an organism’s
DNA. The change can occur from an addition or deletion of nucleotides in
the sequence.

Nucleotides are the basic units that make up DNA. DNA is the special
codes inside a cell’s nucleus that provide instructions on how to make
specific proteins.

Theory and Facts

A theory is a scientific explanation derived from the Scientific Method used to
explain observable facts. A theory is supported by A LOT of evidence. A theory
not only explains observed phenomenon, but also has the power to predict
future discoveries and observations.

A fact is an observation, measurement, or some other form of evidence that

can be expected to occur the same way under similar circumstances. E.g.
Gravity is a fact, Water boils at 100 oC and freezes at 0 oC.

The Scientific Method

Every scientist follows the 8 steps of the Scientific Method when he/she is
doing research. The eight steps are:
1. Define the question
2. Gather information and resources (observe)
3. Form hypothesis
4. Perform experiment and collect data
5. Analyze data
6. Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for
new hypothesis
7. Publish results
8. Retest (frequently done by other scientists)
Where Do We Come From? (Ideas on Origin)
Miller and Ulrey and abiogenesis theory(1953).

Abiogenesis
the idea that life came from non-living material.
Evidence Supporting Evolution

1. Radiometric dating suggests that the earth is indeed very, very old.
2. Intermediate forms discovered
A. The theory of evolution predicts that intermediate forms of organisms
should exist, if evolution does indeed occur.
B. Intermediate forms (or transitional forms) have been discovered in
the fossil record.
i. Intermediate forms, organisms that are “in-between” one type of
species and another.
ii. E.g. Tiktaalik is an intermediate-form between fish and tetrapods
(four-legged land creatures)
iii. E.g. Archaeoteryx is an intermediate form between dinosaurs and
birds.
3. Common structures and behaviors suggest common ancestors
A. E.g. Chimpanzees and humans
B. It is believed that apes and humans shared a common ancestor that
no longer exists.
4. Evolution explains how many plants and animals are geographically
distributed.
A. Mammals in North and South America. Originally the two continents
were connected. However, then the land masses separated creating
different creatures.
B. South America developed anteaters, sloths, opossums, and
armadillos, but North America, horses, bats, wolves, and saber-
toothed cats. We find fossils of each group only in their respective
location.
C. However, later on the land masses reconnected and the different
groups of animals spread across the two continents.

Creationism
The that a supernatural power or powers, i.e. God, created the universe and
the life in it at one time.
Creationism suggests:
1. the earth is very young
2. life came from a creator, not a series of random occurrences
3. life appeared suddenly
4. the kinds of organisms on the planet have not changed
5. all life was designed for certain functions and purposes.
Problems with Evolution

Irreducible Complexity
-some structures, do not work with intermediate forms. This is called the
problem of irreducible complexity. E.g. the human eye. “Half-eyes” would not
give an organism or population a beneficial trait that would passed onto future
generations.

The Problems with Mutation

-mutations are usually harmful to an organism.
-the chances of getting a “beneficial” trait is incredibly small. (show text
example)
-mutations do not add genetic material to a population, only rearrange it.
Mathematical Improbability

Problems with Abiogenesis Theory

-most pre-historic atmospheric specialist agree that the earth’s early
atmosphere did NOT contain methane, ammonia, or hydrogen. Most
evolutionists believe it contains carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Miller’s experiments will not work with these gases.
-the fossil record suggests that the early atmosphere contained free oxygen,
which would destroy organic compounds.
-Also, if there was no oxygen, there would be no ozone layer, which would UV
light in to destroy the newly created biochemicals.