Evolutionary Theories and Processes

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Evolutionary Theories and Processes

• Ms. Lilly

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Biological Evolution

• Evolution process of change over time
• Most accepted theory developed by Darwin
  (finches- Galapagos Islands)
• He proposed that, over time, new species
  developed from existing species.
• He explained that by natural selection

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Natural Selection

• Most organisms produce more offspring than can
  survive.
• Organisms will compete with each other to
  survive.
• Although the offspring are similar, some will
  have traits that make them better able to
  survive. Those with favorable traits are more
  likely to survive, reproduce, and pass beneficial
  traits to their offspring.

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Natural Selection

• A trait that improves an organisms chance of
  survival and reproduction is an adaptation.
• Over time, beneficial adaptations will be found
  in more and more individuals in the population.
  The population may become so different that a new
  species will develop

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Changes

• The theory of evolution by natural selection
  explains how populations respond in changes to
  their environments.
• Environments can undergo small, gradual changes
  or major, rapid changes.
• In either case, organisms that are best adapted
  to deal with the changes are more likely to
  survive.

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Geological Evolution

• Theory of Plate Tectonics, Wegener, continental
  drift, etc.
• Uniformitarianism- same processes happening on
  Earth today have been happening since the
  beginning of time (Ex erosion), Catastrophism-
  Earths changes happen by catastrophes (Ex an
  asteroid hitting the Earth)
• Rock layers
• Law of Superposition

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Technological Evolution

• Technology can evolve in response to societal or
  business needs.
• societal wartime needs, etc
• business copiers, personal computers, internet,
  etc