Evolution – the Evidence
Inquiry question: What is the evidence that supports the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?
This dot point requires you to research and find evidence that scientists have used to support Darwin and Wallace's Theory of Evolution by natural Selection.
ACTIVITIES:
Watch the videos attached below this text box.
Complete the worksheet on 'Homologous hands - comparative anatomy' and 'Evidence for evolution'.
Read and complete questions on pages 438 - 464 of the Pearson Yr 11 Biology textbook.
'Homologous hands - comparative anatomy' worksheet
'Evidence for evolution' worksheet
Module 3 Lesson 8 Video
'What is the evidence of evolution' video
'How does radiocarbon dating work' video
'The world most rare and ancient fossils' video
'Modern evolution' worksheet
Module 3 Lesson 9 Video
The Cane Toad
Recent research undertaken by Professor Shine and his team has shown that the annual rate of progress of the cane toad invasion has increased five-fold since their introduction into Queensland in 1935. Cane toads expanded their range by about 10km a year during the 1940s to 60s, but are now invading new areas at an expedited rate of over 50km a year.
By attaching radio transmitters to the toads, their research found that toads with longer legs move faster and are the first to arrive in new areas. They also found that toads at the front have longer legs than those in older (long-established) populations. These long-legged toads also had more endurance, travelling about half a kilometre further in a three-day period.
The research demonstrated that these changes in a toad’s body shape, its behaviour, dispersal ability and tactics are heritable. That is, offspring resemble their parents, even if they have been raised under standard conditions.
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
As early as 1945, Sir Alexander Fleming raised the alarm regarding antibiotic overuse when he warned that the “public will demand [the drug and] … then will begin an era … of abuses.” The overuse of antibiotics clearly drives the evolution of resistance. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between antibiotic consumption and the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria strains.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378521/
ACTIVITIES:
Watch the videos attached below this text box.
Complete the worksheet on 'Modern evolution'.
Read and complete questions on pages 467 - 473 of the Pearson Yr 11 Biology textbook.