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
• Examples of Selection 
• Adaptations to Niches through Time
• Speciation 

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. ​