BIOLOGY FOR LIFE
  • IB Biology I
  • IB Biology II
  • Syllabus
    • Core >
      • 1: Cell Biology >
        • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
        • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
        • 1.3: Membrane Structure
        • 1.4: Membrane Transport
        • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
        • 1.6: Cell Division
      • 2: Molecular Biology >
        • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
        • 2.2: Water
        • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • 2.4: Proteins
        • 2.5: Enzymes
        • 2.6: DNA and RNA
        • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
        • 2.8: Cell Respiration
        • 2.9: Photosynthesis
      • 3: Genetics >
        • 3.1: Genes
        • 3.2: Chromosomes
        • 3.3: Meiosis
        • 3.4: Inheritance
        • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
      • 4: Ecology >
        • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
        • 4.2: Energy Flow
        • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
        • 4.4: Climate Change
      • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
        • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
        • 5.2: Natural Selection
        • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
        • 5.4: Cladistics
      • 6: Human Physiology >
        • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
        • 6.2: The Blood System
        • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
        • 6.4: Gas Exchange
        • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
        • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
    • Higher Level >
      • 7: Nucleic Acids >
        • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
        • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
        • 7.3: Translation
      • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
        • 8.1: Metabolism
        • 8.2: Cell Respiration
        • 8.3: Photosynthesis
      • 9: Plant Biology >
        • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
        • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
        • 9.3: Growth in Plants
        • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
      • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
        • 10.1: Meiosis
        • 10.2: Inheritance
        • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
      • 11: Animal Physiology >
        • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
        • 11.2: Movement
        • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
        • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
    • Options >
      • D: Human Physiology >
        • D.1: Human Nutrition
        • D.2: Digestion
        • D.3: Functions of the Liver
        • D.4: The Heart
        • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
        • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Group 4 Project
    • External Exam
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Personal Engagement
      • Exploration
      • Analysis
      • Evaluation
      • Communication
    • Extended Essay
  • Investigation Skills
    • Lab Safety
    • Microscopy
    • Lab Drawings
    • Data Tables
    • Measurement
    • Statistics >
      • Mean
      • Standard Deviation
      • T-Test
      • ANOVA
      • Correlation
      • X2 Goodness of Fit
      • X2 Test for Independence
    • Graphing >
      • Graphing with Excel
      • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Error Analysis
  • Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • IB Bio Dance
      • Wood Duck Project
      • Invasive Crayfish Project
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      • Class Grading IB Bio I
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    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Peru (2020)
  • Alumni
  • Summer Ecology Research

Topic 5.1:
Evidence for Evolution

Essential Idea:  There is overwhelming evidence for the evolution of life on Earth.
  • Outline answer to each objective statement for topic 5.1 (coming soon)
  • Quizlet study set for this topic
At SHS, Topic 5.1 is taught in the following class unit(s):​​​​
  • ​Natural Selection (unit 19)
  • Evidence for Evolution (unit 20)
  • Speciation (unit 21)
5.1.U1  Evolution occurs when heritable characteristics of species change.
  • Define evolution. ​
5.1.U2  The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
  • Define strata and paleontology.
  • Explain three pieces of evidence that fossils provide that evolution has occurred.​ ​
5.1.U3  Selective breeding of domesticated animals shows that artificial selection can cause evolution.​
  • Use an example to explain how selective breeding has lead to evolution in a species.
  • Explain the process of artificial selection using selective breeding.
5.1.U4  Evolution of homologous structures by adaptive radiation explains similarities in structure when there are differences in function.​
  • Contrast analogous structures and homologous structures.
  • Contrast convergent evolution and adaptive radiation.
  • State an example of analogous structures.
  • State an example of homologous structures.
  • Define vestigial structure.
  • State an example of a vestigial structure.
5.1.U5  Populations of a species can gradually diverge into separate species by evolution.​
  • Describe the process of gradual speciation.
5.1.U6  Continuous variation across the geographical range of related populations matches the concept of gradual divergence.
  • Explain how continuous variation across geographical ranges is evidence of evolutionary change.
  • State an example of recognizably different populations of the same species across a geographical range.
5.1.A1  Comparison of the pentadactyl limb of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles with different methods of locomotion.
  • Define pentadactyl limb.
  • List the bone structures present in the pentadactyl limb.
  • Identify pentadactyl limb structures in diagrams of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
  • Relate differences in pentadactyl limb structures to differences in limb function.
5.1.A2  Development of melanistic insects in polluted areas.
  • ​Explain how natural selection leads to changes in the melanistic variety of insects in polluted areas.
5.1.NOS  Looking for patterns, trends and discrepancies- there are common features in the bone structure of vertebrate limbs despite their varied use.
  • Propose a mechanism that explains the pattern found in vertebrate limb structure yet allows for the specialization of different limb functions. ​

In the News:

  • Dog Breeding in the Neolithic Age (2020-06-25)
  • Hurricanes are Reshaping Evolution (2020-04-28)
  • A Horse Has 5 Toes, and Then It Doesn’t (2020-02-08)
  • ​The human hand in fish evolution (2019-12-09)
  • Early tetrapods had an eye on the land (2019-10-23)
  • Colorado Fossils Show How Mammals Raced to Fill Dinosaurs’ Void (2019-10-24)
  • Most U.S. Dairy Cows Are Descended From Just 2 Bulls. That's Not Good (2019-10-17)
  • These Butterflies Evolved to Eat Poison. How Could That Have Happened? (2019-10-02)
  • Fossil of ancient four-legged whale with hooves discovered (2019-04-04)
  • Genomic evidence of rapid adaptation of invasive Burmese pythons in Florida (2018-10-190)
  • The finding suggested a regionalized vertebral column evolved early in land animal history, even before the divergence of mammals and reptiles (2018-09-20)
  • ​558m-year-old fossils identified as oldest known animal (2018-09-20)
  • How the house sparrow made its home with humans (2018-08-24)
  • This saltwater trout evolved to live in freshwater—in just 100 years (2018-06-01)
  • World’s oldest lizard fossil discovered  (2018-05-30)
  • An Ancient Horse Is Unearthed in a Utah Backyard (2018-05-03)
  • Fossil sheds light on evolutionary journey from dinosaur to bird (2018-05-02)
  • A Newly Discovered Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles (2018-03-12)
  • Part spider, part scorpion creature captured in amber (2018-02-05)
  • How warp-speed evolution is transforming ecology (2018-01-31)
  • Why Dogs Have Floppy Ears: An Animated Tale (2018-01-30)
  • ​How many toes do horses have? A new study suggests a radical number: five (2018-01-23)
  • Altering A Species: Darwin's Shopping List (2018-01-15)
  • Recently discovered fossil shows transition of a reptile from life on land to life in the sea (2017-12-06)
  • British birds evolve bigger beaks to use garden feeders (2017-10-19)
  • ​An evolving sticky situation (2017-10-12)
  • ​Basis of development of vertebrate limb muscles has been established in cartilaginous fishes (2017-10-02)
  • ​Scientists reproduce evolutionary changes by manipulating embryonic development of mice (2014-07-30)
  • Evolution Is Happening Faster Than We Thought (2016-07-23)
  • Feral chickens spread light on evolution (2016-09-30)
  • Ancient genomes show how maize adapted to life at high altitudes (2017-08-03)
  • Cold snap makes lizards evolve in just a few months (2017-08-03)
  • ​​From Fins Into Hands: Scientists Discover a Deep Evolutionary Link (2016-08-17)
  • ​​Fossils found in Siberia suggest all dinosaurs could have been feathered (2014-07-30)
  • Dinosaurs shrank continually into birds (2014-07-31)
  • First Venezuelan dino provides clues to dinosaur evolution (2014-08-05)
  • A Gigantic, Exceptionally Complete Titanosaurian Sauropod Dinosaur from Southern Patagonia, Argentina (2014-09-04)
  • Fossils of oldest known snakes unearthed (2015-01-27)
  • Fossils from heart of Amazon provide evidence that South American monkeys came from Africa (2015-02-04)
  • Oldest fur seal identified, ending 5-million-year 'ghost lineage' (2015-02-11)
  • Earliest-known arboreal and subterranean ancestral mammals discovered (2015-02-12)
  • International team of scientists launches fossil database (2015-02-24)
  • Kenyan fossils show evolution of hippos (2015-02-24)
  • Think Man-Sized Swimming Centipede — And Be Glad It's A Fossil (2015-03-11)
  • Odd creature was ancient ancestor of today’s giraffes (2015-11-24)
  • Tiny new North Pacific fossil whale from 30 million years ago (2015-12-02)
  • Most species that disappear today will leave no trace in the fossil record (2016-03-15)
  • You have no idea where camels really come from (TED talk, filmed 2015-11)
  • Hunting for dinosaurs showed me our place in the universe (TED talk, 2016 Feb)
  • Tomatillo Fossils, 52 Million Years Old, Are Discovered in Patagonia (2017-01-09)
  • Fossils of wolf-sized otter unearthed in China (2017-01-23)
  • Pincer-wielding 507m-year-old fossil sheds light on evolution of crabs (2017-04-26)
  • 36m-year-old fossil discovery is missing link in whale evolution, say researchers (2017-05-11)
  • How Horses Got Their Hooves (2017-08-28)
  • Reshaping the horse through millennia: Sequencing reveals genes selected by humans in domestication (2014-12-15)
  • We can reprogram life. How to do it wisely (TED talk, 2015 Nov)
  • How an ancient pope helped make chickens fat (2016-09-15)
  • Tomato ancestor evolved 50 million years ago near Antarctica (2017-01-05)
  • Why tomatoes got bland—and how to make them sweet again (2017-01-26)
  • Some surprising dog breeds have ancient American heritage (2017-04-25)
  • Earliest evidence for dog breeding found on remote Siberian island (2017-05-26)
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"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." 
 John Muir,   1911
  • IB Biology I
  • IB Biology II
  • Syllabus
    • Core >
      • 1: Cell Biology >
        • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
        • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
        • 1.3: Membrane Structure
        • 1.4: Membrane Transport
        • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
        • 1.6: Cell Division
      • 2: Molecular Biology >
        • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
        • 2.2: Water
        • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • 2.4: Proteins
        • 2.5: Enzymes
        • 2.6: DNA and RNA
        • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
        • 2.8: Cell Respiration
        • 2.9: Photosynthesis
      • 3: Genetics >
        • 3.1: Genes
        • 3.2: Chromosomes
        • 3.3: Meiosis
        • 3.4: Inheritance
        • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
      • 4: Ecology >
        • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
        • 4.2: Energy Flow
        • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
        • 4.4: Climate Change
      • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
        • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
        • 5.2: Natural Selection
        • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
        • 5.4: Cladistics
      • 6: Human Physiology >
        • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
        • 6.2: The Blood System
        • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
        • 6.4: Gas Exchange
        • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
        • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
    • Higher Level >
      • 7: Nucleic Acids >
        • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
        • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
        • 7.3: Translation
      • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
        • 8.1: Metabolism
        • 8.2: Cell Respiration
        • 8.3: Photosynthesis
      • 9: Plant Biology >
        • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
        • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
        • 9.3: Growth in Plants
        • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
      • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
        • 10.1: Meiosis
        • 10.2: Inheritance
        • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
      • 11: Animal Physiology >
        • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
        • 11.2: Movement
        • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
        • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
    • Options >
      • D: Human Physiology >
        • D.1: Human Nutrition
        • D.2: Digestion
        • D.3: Functions of the Liver
        • D.4: The Heart
        • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
        • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Group 4 Project
    • External Exam
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Personal Engagement
      • Exploration
      • Analysis
      • Evaluation
      • Communication
    • Extended Essay
  • Investigation Skills
    • Lab Safety
    • Microscopy
    • Lab Drawings
    • Data Tables
    • Measurement
    • Statistics >
      • Mean
      • Standard Deviation
      • T-Test
      • ANOVA
      • Correlation
      • X2 Goodness of Fit
      • X2 Test for Independence
    • Graphing >
      • Graphing with Excel
      • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Error Analysis
  • Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • IB Bio Dance
      • Wood Duck Project
      • Invasive Crayfish Project
    • Assessment >
      • Class Grading IB Bio I
      • Class Grading IB Bio II
      • Daily Quizzes
      • WICC Assessment
      • Lab Practicals
    • Assessment Statements
    • Class Photos
    • Recommendations
    • Supplemental Reading
  • Contact
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Resume
    • Reflection
    • Site Feedback
    • Favorite Quotes
    • AEF Blog
  • Expeditions
    • Bahamas (2009)
    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Peru (2020)
  • Alumni
  • Summer Ecology Research