Evolution theories

Divergent evolution
Similar organisms evolve from a common ancestor.

As organisms evolve in their different environments, they take on

characteristics which help them adapt in these environments.
Divergent evolution
Compare how a human foot evolved to be very different from a
monkey's foot.
Divergent evolution
Compare how a human foot evolved to be very different from a
monkey's foot.

It is speculated that a new species (humans) developed because

there was no longer was a need for swinging from trees.
◦ Upright walking on the ground required alterations in the foot for better
speed and balance. These differing traits soon became characteristics that
evolved to permit movement on the ground.
Convergent evolution
Organisms living in similar environments, often have similar
structures and behaviours, even if they have evolved from different
ancestors.
Convergent evolution
Several mammal groups have independently evolved prickly
protrusions of the skin –
◦ echidnas (monotremes)
◦ the insectivorous hedgehogs
◦ some tenrecs (a diverse group of shrew-like Madagascan mammals)
◦ Old World porcupines (rodents) and New World porcupines (another
biological family of rodents)

The last common ancestor of all of these groups was a contemporary

of the dinosaurs
Parallel evolution
A number of forms descend from a common ancestor.

They are initially separated and evolve separately, however they

have similar features.

They are generally similar, yet found in different parts of the world
Evidence for Evolution
Comparative anatomy
Similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms.
Homologous structures – similarities between species indicating a
common ancestor. They may or may not perform the same function.
• Think of 3 examples

Analogous structures – similarities between species because they

evolved in a similar environment.
• Think of 3 examples
Comparative embryology
Similarities exist between vertebrates as they develop.
 Fossils
What are fossils?

How do they form?

How do scientists date them? Why is dating fossils useful?

Do the fossils we have form a complete picture?

Forming fossils
The conditions for fossils are quite rare.
◦ Soft body parts decay quickly or eaten
◦ Organisms in hot environments rarely fossilise because they decay
quickly.
◦ Not often formed in mountainous areas because of constant
erosion.
◦ Small bones don’t fossilise because they are too delicate.

◦ The desert and the ocean are the best locations for fossilisation.
Forming fossils
The conditions for fossils are quite rare.
◦ Soft body parts decay quickly or eaten
◦ Organisms in hot environments rarely fossilise because they decay
quickly.
◦ Not often formed in mountainous areas because of constant
erosion.
◦ Small bones don’t fossilise because they are too delicate.

◦ The desert and the ocean are the best locations for fossilisation.
The fossil record
Incredibly incomplete because the majority of organisms that have
lived on Earth are extinct and didn’t fossilise.

99% of the organisms that have been on Earth are extinct.

This leads to problems such as the “missing link” between apes and
humans
Comparative DNA
DNA in living species and fossils can be analysed and compared.

What is the percentage similarity of:

Humans and chimpanzees?

Humans and a mouse?

Humans and a banana?

Comparative DNA
DNA in living species and fossils can be analysed and compared.

What is the percentage similarity of:

Humans and chimpanzees?
96%
Humans and a mouse?
85%
Humans and a banana?
50% - 60%