Evolution and Natural Selection

Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection:

 Variation exists within populations.

 More offspring are produced than can survive.
 Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
 Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population.

Evidence for Evolution:

 Fossil Record: Shows changes in species over time.

 Comparative Anatomy: Homologous structures indicate common ancestry.
 Comparative Embryology: Similar embryonic development in different species.
 Molecular Biology: Similar DNA sequences among different species.
 Biogeography: Geographic distribution of species.

Speciation:

 Allopatric Speciation: Occurs when populations are geographically isolated.

 Sympatric Speciation: Occurs without geographic isolation.