10 2 Darwins Observations KEY CONCEPT Darwins voyage

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations KEY CONCEPT Darwin’s voyage provided insight on evolution.

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Charles Darwin – The “father” of Evolution

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Overview • All life formed from a single common ancestor • Life forms change by adapting the best features to survive in their environment • The “fittest” survive to pass the new adaptation (genetic traits) to their offspring • The mechanism is Natural Selection

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Life on Earth has Unity and Diversity All of Earth's life forms are related and function universally the same way. All species evolved from a single common ancestor at life’s origination 3. 5 bya. >200 million living species on Earth

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Voyage of The Beagle 1835: Darwin describes species of the Galapagos Islands

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Darwin observed differences among island species. • Variation is a difference in a physical trait. – Galápagos tortoises that live in areas with tall plants have long necks and legs. – Galápagos finches that live in areas with hard-shelled nuts have strong beaks.

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations • An adaptations is a feature that allow an organism to better survive in its environment and mate. – Species are able to adapt for survival in their environment. • Competition for resources • Forage/ Hunt to Eat, Attract mates to Reproduce, Defense – Adaptations can lead to genetic change in a population.

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations Darwin observed fossil and geologic evidence supporting an ancient Earth. • Darwin found fossils of extinct animals that resemble modern animals. • Darwin found fossil shells high up in the Andes mountains.

10. 2 Darwin’s Observations • He saw land move from underwater to above sea level, due to an earthquake. • Darwin extended his observations to the evolution of organisms.