Evolution Changes in species over time Charles Darwin

Evolution Changes in species over time

Charles Darwin § Father of Evolution - Proposed theory of evolution

Collecting Data for Theory § Darwin traveled the world from 1831 – 1836 on the HMS Beagle collecting evidence for his theory

Part 1 of Theory of Evolution. Overpopulation § If all circumstances for survival are optimal, overpopulation will result § Conditions resulting in overpopulation ample food and water, shelter, mates, few predators, low incidence of death from disease

Part 2 of Theory of Evolution – Struggle for existence § Due to overpopulation, resources will eventually be depleted § Members of a population will find it more difficult to survive – There will be a struggle for existence

Third part of Theory of Evolution Variation § There a variety of traits in a population. § 2 Major Sources of variation – Mutation, Sexual Reproduction § Some members of a population are better equipped for the struggle for existence

Fourth Part of the Theory of Evolution – Natural Selection § Natural Selection – This is the mechanism by which evolution works § Natural Selection – The conditions of nature select which traits are the best or most favored for survival § Which traits are fit for survival in the North Pole? Thin fur or thick fur - Little fat or a great deal of fat

Adaptations § Adaptations – Structures, behaviors or chemicals that aid survival § These are the traits that are the favored traits since they helped the species survive § Camouflage and mimicry are examples of adaptations

Fifth Part of Theory for Evolution – Differential Reproduction § The individuals with the most fit traits, survive and reproduce. § These individuals pass their traits to the next generation. § The next generation will show more of the fit traits.