Covers the entire section on Evidence for the Theory of Evolution. Includes notes from the textbook, as well as additional class, video and research information, diagrams and practice questions.
Applicable to all IEB Grade 12s.
Written by a 90% < student.
Evidence for the theory of evolution
- Palaeontology (fossil record)
- Biogeography
- DNA (genetics) and molecular biology
- Homologies and comparative anatomy
- Comparative embryology
- Vestigial organs
- Biodiversity
- Physiology
, Evidence 1: Palaeontology or Fossil record
Fossils are found all over the earth are a significant source of evidence for evolution.
This is known as paleontological evidence and shows both micro-evolution and macro-
evolution.
Fossil dating
When determining the age of a fossil, the rock in which the fossil is dated, not the fossil itself.
1. Relative dating
- Based on the layer of rock in which they occur i.e. the deeper the rock, the older the fossil.
2. Carbon dating
- 50 000 > fossil age
- The half-life or decay of C14, that breaks down into C12 is used to determine the age.
3. Radiometric dating
- 50 000 < fossil age
- Many different minerals, an example being Uranium breaks down into Lead.
- The half-life or decay of this is used to determine the age.
4. Paleomagnetic dating
- 50 000 < fossil age
- Looks at magnetic fields and magnetism.
Palaeontology
= the study of fossils and prehistoric life
Palaeontologist
= A person who deals with the study of extinct animals and plants and their fossilised remains
= Example is Professor Lee Burger (specializes in hominids)
Anthropologist
= A person who makes an explanation, through things such as artefacts and symbolism, of
= the behaviour and lifestyle of hominids in the past.
Archaeologist
= A person who studies history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis
= of artefacts and other physical remains. (Studies the rock and minerals in them)
Fossils
= The remains, impressions or traces of ancient animals and plants preserved in the earth’s
= crust for thousands of years.
. Types of fossils: Petrified, moulds and casts, impressions, frozen, mummified and trace fossils.
The Fossil Record
= The sum of all discovered and undiscovered fossils and their relative placement in rock.
Fossilisation
The entire process by which dead organisms or their parts are transformed into fossils.
Very specific conditions:
- Need sediment that contains minerals
- Rapid burial
- Anaerobic conditions
- High pressure
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