Evolution Selection Modified from parts of a presentation

Evolution & Selection Modified from parts of a presentation by Diane Ebert-May Michigan State University

Where does life come from? • Where do we come from? - one of ultimate human questions • One of humanity’s traits is to ask, and try to answer, such questions – stories of Creation… • With more knowledge, more understanding, our ideas change – tools of science

What is Evolution? • In your notes – write down words or phrases that come to mind when you hear this word • Share your ideas with your group members, and combine ideas to create a definition you can share with the class.

What is Evolution? • Simple biological definition: – “Change in the frequency of genes and chromosome configurations in a population. ” (Wilson ch. 6, p. 75) – What does this mean? – Discuss in your group, & come up with an answer (or a question).

What drives evolution? • Wilson ch. 6 • Our main topic for today

Write a scenario that explains the phenotypic changes in the trees and the animals. Use your understanding of evolution by natural selection.

Selective Agents or Forces: • Artificial selection (selective agent is? ) – Humans • Natural selection (selective agent is? ) – The Environment • Genetic drift (there is no selective agent…) – Occurs by chance – random change

Wrap-Up: At what “levels” do selection & evolution occur? • Look at your hierarchy of terms linking DNA to species • Where would you add the term “population? ” • Which level in this hierarchy gets selected for or against by the selective agents we’ve discussed today? • Now - at what level does evolution occur?

Write a scenario that explains the phenotypic changes in the trees and the animals. Use your understanding of evolution by natural selection. Make your own notes, then come up with one written response for your group that all agree upon & understand. Put original in folder.