Evolution
Mutations, Darwin, Natural Selection, & Evolution
Charles Darwin
Darwin was the father of the evolutionary theory. He traveled on the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands. He discovered that different animals on different islands had different physical characteristics. This demonstrates evolution. The animals changed over time. They adapted to their environment.
Charles Darwin
Turtles
Darwin found turtles with different shells on different islands.
Finches
Darwin discovered finches that had different beaks on different islands. They had different beaks because they had different food on the islands they lived on.
Mutations
Mutations occur to make evolution.
Natural Selection
Natural selection is a mechanism for change in a population. It is survival of the fittest. The strongest survive to pass on their traits to their offspring.
Causes of Evolution
Genetic Drift is one way evolution can be changed. Genetic drift is just by chance. Another way mutations. Also Natural Selection, and immigration and emigration. There are two ways evolution can occur: gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
Types of Evolution
There are two types of evolution: divergent and convergent.
1. Divergent: Species that have a common ancestor but have grown apart because of evolution.
2. Convergent: Species have no common ancestor but have grown together because of evolution.
These animals grow together because of their environment.
Convergent Evolution
Shows how different species have some of the same features because of their environment.
Divergent Evolution
Shows how animals with a common ancestor have drifted apart.
Natural Selection
All of the giraffes with longest necks were the strongest, so now all giraffes have long necks.