5.4 and 5.

5 Evolution & Classification

5.4.1 Define evolution

Evolution is the cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population. Darwinist theory of evolution.

Cumulative because moret than one heritable characteristic must change in a population for us to state that evolution has occured.
Heritable because these characteristics are passed on, and over the generations we can say evolution has occured (new typed of living org.s from previously existing types)

5.4.2 Evidence for evolution

1. Fossil Records : show that species continually evolve.
Older rock layers contain fossils of simpler org.s and species that no longer exist; Younger rock layers contain fossils more similar to species alive today (imperfect record of evolution).

2. Selective Breeding and Artificial Selection : Is evidence of evolution occuring through an artificial process of selection.
E.g. Breeds of plants, pets, animals for food production. Repeated cross-breeding of animals with desired features (e.g. dachshund, grehound, Angus cattle).

3. Comparative Anatomy : the study of the anatomies of presently alive organisms can show evolutionary links between different species.
Homologous structures have the same origin but different functions. These show evolutionary links between different species. E.g. the pentadactyl limb (extremity of 5 digits) in species of 4 different classes of terrestrial vertebrates, i.e. frog (amphibian), lizard (reptile), birds, bat, whale human (mammals).

5.4.3-.7 Reasons and Methods of Evolution by Natural Selection

5.4.3 Observation: Populations tend to produce more offspring than their environment can support BUT population size tends to remain +/- constant.
5.4.4 Deduction: Not all offspring survives to reach a mature age, therefore overproduction of offspring must lead to a struggle for survival and a competition for resources. 5.4.5 Members of species that reproduce sexually shows variation. 5.4.6 Due to random combination of chromosomes in gametes and crossing over/mutations. 5.4.7 Within a genetically varied population, individuals with favorable heritable characteristics