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Summary Evolution and Biodiversity
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Evolution and Biodiversity notes, including cladistics, classification, evidence and processes of evolution, taxonomy and speciation.
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EVOLUTION + BIODIVERSITYEvolution occurs when heritable characteristics of a species change over time
Evidence for Evolution
➔ Fossil records
➔ Selective breeding of domestic plants + animals
➔ Homologous structures (ex. pentadactyl limb) through adaptive radiation
◆ Homologous adaptation through divergent evolution: there is a common ancestor
◆ Analogous adaptations occur through convergent evolution: no common ancestor
➔ Populations may diverge to form different species in different geographic locations
◆ Camels, dromedaries, llamas + alpacas
◆ Continuous variation / gradual divergence
➔ Island populations have unique characteristics: evolution in isolation
◆ New Zealand had no mammals so birds like kiwis thrived
➔ DNA analysis can show similarities between different species
➔ Direct observation + experimental data of organisms with short life cycles like
insects/protozoans
Process of Evolution
➔ Populations produce more than can be supported by the environment
➔ There is a constant struggle for survival
➔ There is variation within the members of that species (or population)
◆ mutations, meiosis, sexual reproduction
➔ The individuals best adapted will survive
➔ The survivors will produce offspring + transfer the genetic traits onto the next generation
➔ Natural selection increases the frequency of characteristics that make individuals better
adapted and decreases the frequency of other characteristics leading to changes within the
species
- Pace of evolution: gradualism → punctuated equilibrium
Mutations
- Create changes in DNA that lead to variation + biodiversity
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