5.4+Evolution

5. Ecology and evolution - 5.1 Communities and ecosystems - 5.2 The greenhouse effect - 5.3 Populations - 5.4 Evolution - 5.5 Classification - Ecology and Evolution Labs

5.4 Evolution

 * Assessment statements** (IBO notes added to some points to clearly indicate what needs to be understood and what does not)
 * 5.4.1 || Define evolution. ||
 * 5.4.2 || Outline the evidence for evolution provided by the fossil record, selective breeding of domesticated animals and homologous structures. ||
 * 5.4.3 || State that populations tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support. ||
 * 5.4.4 || Explain that the consequence of the potential overproduction of offspring is a struggle for survival. ||
 * 5.4.5 || State that the members of a species show variation. ||
 * 5.4.6 || Explain how sexual reproduction promotes variation in a species. ||
 * 5.4.7 || Explain how natural selection leads to evolution. Greater survival and reproductive success of individuals with favourable heritable variations can lead to change in the characteristics of a population. ||
 * 5.4.8 || Explain two examples of evolution in response to environmental change; one must be antibiotic resistance in bacteria. ||

This image apart from simply being an attractive graphic holds a meaning. What is it?
 * Starter**

Log in to the [|DCS Bridge] to obtain your workbooks and supporting resources
 * Workbooks and Worksheets **

An alternative set of notes from [|i-Biology] can be found [|here]


 * Presentations and tutorials **

[|Excellent short videos from PBS] on a range of different aspects of evolution

This tutorial from Sumanas Inc., evolution in action, explains using good examples how evolution works and the principles behind it.

[|Natural selection tutorial and quiz from W H Freeman]

[|Tutorial from McGraw and Hill] - includes insecticide resistance example

Steven Taylor ([|i-Biology]) has a great presentation to view and take notes from before starting your notebook media type="custom" key="24774730"

The [|khan academy] has a video tutorial on an introduction to evolution and natural selection media type="custom" key="24774732"

[|Different types of selection pressure] are outlined in this link from biology corner

Below are good, short video tutorials from [|click4biology] addressing the different assessment statements 5.4.1 Defining evolution media type="custom" key="24774734" 5.4.2 Evidence for evolution media type="custom" key="24774736" 5.4.3 and 5.4.4 Over population media type="custom" key="24774738" 5.4.5 Population variation media type="custom" key="24774740" 5.4.6 Variation within a species media type="custom" key="24774742" 5.4.7 Natural variation media type="custom" key="24774744" 5.4.8a MSSA media type="custom" key="24774746"

Use [|click4biology] to review and complete your notes

[|Evidence for evolution]- what constitutes evidence for evolution is often misunderstood this activity from PBS. Work divide your group/class into three parts (anatomists, palaeontologists and molecular biologists) at the end of the activity present your findings back to your group. Group members should question the significance of the evidence if it is not made clear. Each group member should make sure they have an annotated copy of the presentation (you can take photos of the board) to add to your notes.
 * Activity Suggestions **

Good knowledge reviews:
 * Build a [|concept map of evolution] using the template (Biology corner)
 * Complete the[| crossword on evolution] (Biology corner)

__5.4.8 Explain two examples of evolution in response to environmental change; one must be antibiotic resistance in bacteria.__

[|Antibiotic resistance] is caused by evolution and is an important example of evolution to understand. Go through part A of the PBS activity and discuss it's significance as a class.

Other examples are not limited to, but could include:
 * the changes in size and shape of the beaks of Galapagos finches
 * pesticide resistance
 * industrial melanism or heavy-metal tolerance in plants

__Check your understanding__ In groups you can see how well you can do using this quiz created by students. Alternatively use this as a model and create your own quizzes and test each other.

Environmental adaptations are not always a positive it's often a trade-off as illustrated in this BBC article explaining why penguins can't fly. This article is based an article in the PNAS.
 * Articles and Useful links **

[|Time line of evolution] (includes reference points all the way back to the Big Bang) from Jon Kyrk

Fantastic resources for learning about Evolution from [|PBS]

Find out more about [|Darwin]

A [|guardian science special on Darwin] it includes a short article on [|Darwin by Richard Dawkins] looking at the man and also development of ideas and their acceptance

[|State v. John Scopes] is a link to an overview of a landmark case which happened in the USA in 1925 when a Biology teacher was tried for teaching evolution to his class

[|Interpreting fossils] is not straightforward this PBS interactive animation will help your understanding of this.

[|Oldest Skeleton of Human Ancestor Found]from National Geographic talks about the importance of fossil evidence concerning early human evolutions.

An article from the BBC on [|owls changing colour as the climate warms]

A series of article about Evolution can be found on [|Action BioScience]

Scishow's crash course on "Evolution: it's a thing (not a debate)" is a good video and sets a context for how we know what we know about evolution and the origin of life on Earth. media type="custom" key="24774750"

Facts about evolution from SciShow media type="custom" key="24774752"

BBC News article Oldest big cat fossil points to big cats evolving in Asia

Another great lyrical effort from the Biology students at Standford media type="custom" key="24774754"
 * For fun **