Lecture 2

Question 1

Intelligent Design

Answer 1

Intelligent Design is not based on science, but rather the premise that some biological structures are so complex, that only a supremely intelligent being could have made them
(not science because it cannot be tested, and discourages further investigation of complex structures)

Question 2

Imperfect solutions

Answer 2

panda bears and how they strip leaves off of bamboo-they don’t have thumbs, so evolution instead gave them a new phalange-like limb that allowed them to grasp the bamboo stems more easily. evolution works on what is there, and what seems to be a historical constraint is actually not (panda eating more easily) also, humans being bipedal-we can walk faster, but childbirth is a bitch!!!

Question 3

Evolution as FACT

Answer 3

1. change over time: have organisms always stayed the same? NO. the fossil record shows this!

Question 4

Evolution as FACT (3 cards)

1. change over time

Answer 4

• Have organisms always been the same forever? NO, and we have evidence of this from the fossil record. the difference between times times in the fossil record demonstrate the change in the fossils, as well as the time period, and the different conditions between different times on earth.
• look at contemporary species and see if they have changed over time. stickleback fishes->body armour variation
• soapberry bug: native to florida: difference in tongue lengths to gain access to fleshy plants
• historical change: Hawaiian Field Crickets->no calling males. parasitic flies that lays eggs on calling males (sexual selection and natural selection act against each other)
• wild mustard->vegetables (artificial selection)

Question 5

Q: If you wanted to demonstrate the first “fact” of Evolution (change over time), how would you go about it?

Answer 5

squirrels: change in fur color because of change in environment. you have grey squirrels, black squirrels, and red squirrels.
Class discussion: observe a species over a period of time. (or bacteria; only problem with that is they don’t produce sexually)
-bacterial resistance video (FB)

Question 6

Evolution as FACT

2. Descent with modification

Answer 6

Are species related historically by common ancestry?

• look for traits that are homologous
  homology: traits that are similiar in structure despite differences in function. trait possessed by 2 or more species that are derived, from a common ancestor.
• slide about homology: though they have the same bones that look different/ have different functions, they must have a common ancestor.
• embryology: difference species look similar until later stages when they develop differences
• vestigial traits: rudimentary traits that are homologous to fully functional traits in closely related species; Mexiacan tetra
• transitional form: teeth, bones, feathers; ;chickens
• whale ancestry: vestigial ancestors

Question 7

Is homology or analogy more convincing evidence for evolution?

Answer 7

both kinds are good to demonstrate evolution.