Topic11-BiologicalEvolution - KroghF09.013 Biological Evolution Feb 25 2011 Topic 11 Biological Evolution and 18 I Core Principles of Evolution A

KroghF09.013 Biological Evolution Feb. 25, 2011 Topic 11: Biological Evolution Chapters 16, 17 and 18 I. Core Principles of Evolution A. Evolution is “Descent with Modification” • All life descended from ancient common ancestor • Genetic mutation is source of modificaiton B. Natural Selection causes most biological evolution • Requires (genetic) phenotypic variation within population • Strongest when reproduction and competition is high • Best adapted individuals reproduce • Alleles for adaptations increase in next generation II. Life and Times of Charles Darwin (1809-1882) Fig 16.1 A. Revolution in physical and Earth sciences in previous two centuries B. Global exploration and rise of biogeography • Uneven distribution of biodiversity C. Lyell (1830) Uniformitarianism and Earth’s great age D. Early evolutionists • Lamarck (paleontologist) progressive evolution by acquired characteristics E. Darwin travels around the world 1831-1836 (Fig. 16.3) • Darwin Finches and adaptive radiation (fig. 16.7) F. 1859 “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” III.