EVOLUTION

A Historical Perspective
LESSON 4
 OBJECTIVES
• discuss evolution, and the process of how the physical
properties and characteristics of animals change
through a long period of time.
• cite various observable phenomena and structures
which serve as evidence of evolution.
• describe and explain the different theories of evolution.
• identify the: (1) dominant species; and (2) changes
which occurred on both biotic and abiotic life through
Geologic Time Scale
 ESSENTIAL QUESTION
• What are the changes that occurred in the anatomical
and physiological aspects of animal life upon the course
of evolution?
• What are the different evidence and theories of
evolution and how can you describe and explain each?
• What are the different time periods in the Geologic
Time Scale and what events happened in each GTS
time frame?
 What is Evolution?
The change in the characteristics
of a species over several
generations and relies on the
process of natural selection.
 What is Evolution?
A process of continuous change
from a lower, simpler, or worse to
a higher, more complex, or
better state.
Theories of
Evolution
 Theory of Natural Selection
Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882)
An English naturalist who is
recognized as the Father of
Evolution, and whose discoveries
became the foundation of
modern evolutionary studies.
Charles Darwin
In 1835, Darwin's five-week stay in
the Galapagos island (an archipelago
located at Ecuador) and his discovery of its
wildlife (especially the finches, a type of
bird) would inspire him to develop his
theory of evolution, as supported with
compelling evidence on his book, ON THE
ORIGIN OF SPECIES
Charles Darwin
• By 1842, Darwin had developed the essence
of his conclusions but delayed their
publication because of uncertainty
about how they would be received.
• His ideas were eventually presented before
the Linnean Society in London in 1858,
and On the Origin of Species by Means of
Natural Selection was published in 1859
and revolutionized biology.
 Theory of Natural Selection
“the survival of the fittest”
it is the process by which organisms change over time
as a result of changes in heritable physical or
behavioral traits (these changes allow an organism to
better adapt to its environment will help it survive and
have more offspring)
because resources are limited in nature, organisms with
heritable traits that favor survival and
reproduction will tend to leave more offspring than
their peers, causing the traits to increase in frequency
over generations
Theory of
Natural
Selection
 Theory of Organic Evolution
• This theory of evolution was not invented by Charles Darwin.
• But he described it as “descent with modification”, stating
that present complexities in animals and plants are as a result
of evolution from simpler forms that existed earlier through
eventual changes.
• Organic Evolution process by which changes in the genetic
composition of populations of organisms occur in response to
environmental changes.
 References of Darwin
Empedocles and Aristotle

Both described
different concepts of
change in living
organisms over time.
 References of Darwin
Empedocles (495 BC – 435 BC) .
• Claimed that the Earth had given birth to
living creatures, but that the first
creatures had been disembodied
organs.
• Organs finally joined into whole
organisms, through the force of Love, but
some of these organisms, being monstrous
and unfit for life, had died out.
 References of Darwin
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) .
• Did not believe in the concept of evolution.
Rather, species were fixed and unchanging.
• But he believed that living things have a
natural tendency to develop and grow
towards a final, perfect state, which he
referred to as their "telos”.
• Telos was determined by the essence or
"form" of the species, and was
predetermined by the gods.
 References of Darwin
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) .
• His belief is that
organisms are divided
into hierarchy “chain of
being” or “scale or
nature”.
• Sequence of organisms
where humans are at
the top.
 References of Darwin
Georges-Louis Buffon (1707–1788)
• Studied Comparative Anatomy for several years.
• His observations of structural variations in particular
organs of related animals convinced him that change
must have occurred during the history of life on earth.
• Buffon attributed change in organisms to the action of
the environment.
• He believed in a special creation of species and
considered change as being degenerate—for example,
he described apes as degenerate humans.
 References of Darwin
Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802)
• A physician and the grandfather of Charles Darwin.
• He was intensely interested in questions of origin and
change.
• He accepted the idea of a common ancestry of all
organisms.
• He also discussed sexual selection which Charles
Darwin later described as a combination of "female
choosiness" and "direct competition between
males"
 References of Darwin
Jean Baptiste de Lamarck
(1744 – 1829)
a French biologist and naturalist, he is an
early proponent of the idea of
biological evolution that acquired
characteristics are inheritable, an idea
referred to as Lamarckism, which is
controverted by modern genetics and
evolutionary theory
Jean Baptiste de Lamarck
Started his scientific career as a botanist,
but later became one of the founding
professors as an expert of
invertebrates, and his research on the
classification of worms, spiders, and
mollusks was far ahead of his time.
Hypothesized the theory of use and
disuse
 Theory of Use and Disuse
Postulates that “frequent use of the organ
gradually strengthens that organ, while
permanent disuse of an organ weakens it”
By Lamarck's account, animals, in responding to
different environments, adopted new habits;
their new habits caused them to use some
organs more and some organs less, which
resulted in the strengthening of the former
and the weakening of the latter.
Theory of Use and Disuse
Theories of Evolution
Theory of Use and Disuse
Genetics
 Revival of Lamarckism
• Within the last few years, a new evidence revived the Lamarckian ideas.
• A significant body of evidence is demonstrating that the environment can
influence gene activity, and these altered activity states can be passed on
to offspring.
• Altered activity states do not result from changes in DNA base sequences
(unlike mutation), rather a result of DNA methylation and other gene
control mechanisms.
 Epigenetics
•The inheritance of environmentally
induced change in a species .
•(Gr. epi, upon + gennan, to produce)
•Its overall contribution to
evolutionary change is uncertain.
 DARWIN’S
EVIDENCES OF
EVOLUTION
 FOSSIL EVIDENCE
• Darwin found fossil remains of an
extinct hippopotamus-like animal, now
called Toxodon and fossils of a
horselike animal, Thoatherium.
• These fossils were from animals that
were clearly different from any other
animal living in the region.
• Darwin also found fossils of giant
armadillos and giant sloths. Except
for their large size, these fossils were
very similar to forms living in the
region.
Galápagos Islands
• Darwin noticed that the shapes of the
tortoise shells from different parts of
Albemarle Island differed.
• Tortoises from the drier regions had longer
necks than tortoises from wetter habitats.
• In spite of their differences, the tortoises were
quite similar to each other and to the
tortoises on the mainland of South America.
• Darwin reasoned that the island forms
were derived from a few ancestral
animals that managed to travel from the
mainland.
Galápagos Islands
• The Galápagos Islands are volcanic
and arose out of the seabed, no
land connection with the
mainland ever existed.
• So how did the tortoises travel?
• One modern hypothesis is that
tortoises floated from the mainland
on mats of vegetation that regularly
break free from coastal riverbanks
during storms. Without predators on
the islands, tortoises gradually
increased in number.
 Galápagos Islands
• Darwin also noticed that the Galápagos finches bore similarities suggestive of common
ancestry.
• Scientists now think that Galápagos finches also descended from an ancestral species that
originally inhabited the mainland of South America.
• Ancestral finches, probably seed eaters, multiplied rapidly and filled the seed-bearing
habitats most attractive to them. Each species is adapted to a specific habitat on the islands.
• The most obvious difference between these finches relates to dietary adaptations and is
reflected in the size and shape of their bills.
• The finches of the Galápagos Islands provide an example of adaptive radiation—the
formation of new forms from an ancestral species, usually in response to the opening of
new habitats.
Galápagos Islands
 ARTIFICIAL SELECTION
An evolutionary process in which humans consciously select for
or against particular features in organisms.
 NATURAL
SELECTION
 Natural Selection
Charles Darwin had no knowledge of modern genetic concepts, and the
genetic principles that are the basis of evolutionary theory as it exists
today. The modern version of his theory can be summarized as follows:
1. All organisms have a far greater reproductive potential than is ever
realized.
2. Inherited variations exist. They arise from a variety of sources, including
mutation, genetic recombination, and random fertilization.
3. Because resources are limited, existence is a constant struggle.
4. Adaptive traits become more common in subsequent generations.
EVOLUTION is brought by ADAPTATION as
adaptations promote survival and make
successful reproduction more likely.
EVIDENCES OF
EVOLUTION
 Biogeography
• The study of the geographic distribution of
plants and animals.
• One of the distribution patterns that
biogeographers try to explain is how similar
groups of organisms have dispersed to
places separated by seemingly
impenetrable barriers.
• For example, native cats are inhabitants of
most continents of the earth, yet they
cannot cross expanses of open oceans.
• Obvious similarities suggest a common
ancestry, but similarly obvious differences
result from millions of years of independent
evolution
 Paleontology
• The history of life on Earth as
based on fossils.
• Provides some of the most
direct evidence for evolution.
• The fossil record provides
information regarding
sequences in the appearance
and disappearance of
organisms
 Analogy and Homology
• Similarity in the structure and
functions of structures among
organisms.
• Resemblance may occur when
two unrelated organisms adapt
to similar conditions.
• The evolution of superficially
similar structures in unrelated
organisms is called convergent
evolution, and those structures
having similar function are said
to be analogous.
 Analogy and Homology
• Similarity in the structure and functions
of structures among organisms.
• Resemblance may also occur
because two organisms share a
common ancestry.
• Structures and processes in two
kinds of organisms that are derived
from common ancestry are said
to be homologous.
• Homology can involve aspects of an
organism’s structure, and these
homologies are studied in the discipline
called comparative anatomy
 Developmental Patterns
• The developmental stages of
related animals often retain common
features because changes in the genes
that control the development of
animals are usually harmful and are
eliminated by natural selection.
• For example, early embryonic stages
of vertebrates are remarkably similar.
Many organ systems of vertebrates
also show similar developmental
patterns.
• These similarities are compelling
evidence of evolutionary relationships
within animal groups
 Molecular Biology
• Permitted the characterization of
genetic diversity among
individuals, populations, and
species—the three cornerstones of
evolution.
• Similarities between biological
molecules can reflect shared
evolutionary ancestry.
• Similarities and differences between the
"same" gene in different organisms
(that is, a pair of homologous genes)
can help us determine how closely
related the organisms are.
Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology
BREAK
TIME
 Geologic
Time Scale
 Geologic Time Scale
It is the stratigraphic history of the Earth.
Stratigraphy, also called chronostratigraphy is the
ordering and analysis of the layers of the Earth (also
called strata) based chronological dating techniques
and the layers' positions relative to each other.
Geologic time begins approximately 4.6 billion
years ago, shortly after when the Earth began to
form.
Eons

Eras

Periods

Epochs
Hadean Eon
Named after the Greek god and ruler of the underworld,
Hades; inspired from the brutal, hell-like conditions of
the earth and the constant barrage and bombardment of
colossal meteorites and comets
The oldest eon and dates from 4.5 to 4.0 billion years ago
Characterized by an extremely hot temperate due to
several mechanisms such as asteroid impacts, gravitational
compression, and radioactive decay
Hadean Eon
Archean Eon
Derived from the Greek word “archaios”, which means
the beginning or origin
Lasted from 4.0 to 2.5 billion years ago
Formation of the first continents and the first
oceans
The first evidence of modern plate tectonics is found at
the end of Archean eon, indicating the occurrence of
at last some continental lithosphere
Appearance of the first prokaryotic bacteria.
Archean Eon
Proterozoic Eon
Meaning “earlier life”, eon of time after the
archean eon and ranges from 2.5 billion years to
541 million years ago
Oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere
through photosynthesis performed by early-life
form organisms
First multicellular and eukaryotic organisms
appeared
Proterozoic Eon
PRECAMBRIAN
SUPER EON
Phanerozoic Eon
Referred to as “the eon of visible life”
Extending about 541 million years ago to the
present time
Rapid expansion and evolution of biological forms as
well as the formation of ecological niche
Composed of three major eras: (a) Paleozoic era; (b)
Mesozoic era; and (c) Cenozoic era
Phanerozoic Eon
Paleozoic Era
The earliest of the three geologic eras of the
phanerozoic eon and the longest of the three
phanerozoic eras, lasting from 541 million years
to approximately 252 million years ago
Characterized by formation of the
supercontinent and widespread of plants
and early vertebrate life forms
Paleozoic Era
Cambrian Period
The first geological period of the Paleozoic era,
and of the phanerozoic eon, occurring at
approximately 541 to 485 million years ago
Produced the most intense burst of evolution through
the phenomenon known as “the Cambrian
Explosion”, which gave life to an incredible diversity
including major animal groups alive today
Trilobites are common
Earliest forms of vertebrates appeared
Trilobites
 The second of six periods of the
Paleozoic era which spanned from
485 to 443 million years ago
During this period, majority of the
area on the northern portion of the
world is almost entirely ocean while
Ordovician the most of the world’s land was
collected into the southern
Period supercontinent Gondwana
Marine invertebrates flourished
and the first jawless fish
appeared
On land, the first plants appeared
 The third and acclaimed as the shortest
period of the Paleozoic era, lasting from only
443 to 419 million years ago
Stabilization of the earth’s general
climate
Melting of large glacial formation which gave
Silurian way to a substantial rise in the levels of the
major seas

Period Rapid spread of jawless fish and highly

significant appearances of both the first
freshwater and jawed fishes
Development of the first vascular plants
May have marked the beginning of the first
terrestrial animal life
 The fourth period of the
Paleozoic era which occurred from
419 to 358 million years ago
Appearance of ferns, seed plants,
and the first trees and first
forests
Devonian First terrestrial arthropods
including wingless insects and earliest
Period arachnids
Sometimes referred to as “the age of
fishes”, due to marine life diversity
Appearance of the first
amphibians
 The fifth period of the Paleozoic
era which lasted from 358 to 298
million years ago
Carboniferous, which means “carbon-
bearing”, amount of coal produced
on the vast swamp forests during
Carboniferous this period
Occurrence of one of the greatest
Period evolutionary innovations: the
amniote egg, which provided
the animals the ability to lay
eggs
Appearance of the first form of
reptiles
 The sixth and final period of the
Paleozoic era which ranged from
298 to 251 million years ago
Early formation of the
supercontinent Pangaea
Permian Proliferation of early form of
reptiles and other gymnosperms
Period
Phenomenon known as “the great
dying”, which is acknowledged as
the largest mass extinction in the
history of life on earth
Mesozoic Era
The second of the three geologic eras of the
phanerozoic eon, lasting from 251 million years
to 65 million years ago
Mesozoic means “middle animals”, this is due to the
drastic change in the world fauna compared
to what have been seen on the Paleozoic era
A time of great change in the terrestrial
vegetation
Mesozoic Era
Triassic Period
The first and recognized as the shortest period of the
Mesozoic era, spanning only from 251 to 201 million years
ago
The supercontinent Pangaea finished forming,
altering the global climate and water circulation
Reptiles increased in diversity and in number
Appearance of the first dinosaur
First mammals emerged; tiny, fur-bearing, mouse-like
animals derived from reptiles
Jurassic Period
The second period of the Mesozoic era which occurred
from 201 to 145 million years ago
Dubbed as “the age of reptiles”
Propagation and domination of dinosaurs on the
land fauna
Oceans exhibit a wide diversity of marine animals
Characterized by vertebrates taking to the air and the
appearance of the first bird
Cretaceous Period
The third, last, and longest period of the Mesozoic era
which ranged from 145 to 66 million years ago
Continuation of the drifting apart of the supercontinent
Pangaea, which led to regional differences in the floras and
faunas between the northern and southern continents
Appearance of the first flowering plants or angiosperms
Many modern groups of insects diversified
Marked with the phenomenon known as “The Cretaceous-
Tertiary Extinction”
Cenozoic Era
The recent and third of the three geologic
eras of the phanerozoic eon, lasting from 66
million years ago to the present day
Cenozoic which means “new life” and is sometimes
referred to as “the age of mammals”, due to the
dominant terrestrial fauna
Interval of time during which the continents have
assumed their current configuration
TERTIARY PERIOD
The first period of the
Cenozoic era which occurred
from 66 to 23 million years
ago; known as the earliest division
Paleogene of the tertiary period
Period A Greek word which means
“ancient-born”
 PALEOGENE PERIOD: Epoch
continents drift towards their current
Paleocene positions; fern spikes and development of
Epoch modern plant species

Eocene development of modern orders of

Epoch mammals; open savannah-like
vegetation
PALEOCENE
PALEOCENE
EOCENE
 PALEOGENE PERIOD: Epoch

Oligocene temperate and subtropical climatic

conditions; terrestrial and vertebrate
Epoch faunas become diverse and abundant
TERTIARY PERIOD
The second period of the
Cenozoic era which lasted from 23
to 2.6 million years ago
Neogene A Greek word which means “new
Period born”, designed to give emphasis that
the marine and terrestrial fossils
found in the strata of this time are
closely related
 NEOGENE PERIOD: Epoch
ancestors of modern, land-dwelling animals
Miocene such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and dears;
horse evolution occurred in North America, first
Epoch dogs and bears appeared

colder and drier climate; mastodons (elephant-

Pliocene like animals) had a great evolutionary
Epoch diversification; appearance of the first
primates and australopithecines, the first
creatures that can be termed human
MIOCENE
PLIOCENE
PLIOCENE
 The current and most recent of
the three periods under Cenozoic
era, spanning from 2.8 million
years ago to the current time
Characterized by several periods of
Quaternary glaciations, commonly referred to
as “ice age” which resulted in rapid
Period changes in climate and sea level
Rapid changes in life forms, both flora
and fauna and known for the rise
of modern humans
 QUATERNARY PERIOD: Epoch
Informally referred to as “the great ice age”,
this is the time period during which a
succession of glacial and interglacial
climate cycles occurred; characterized by
Pleistocene the presence of distinctively large mammals
Epoch and birds; and saw the evolution and
expansion of our own species, homo
sapiens
 QUATERNARY PERIOD: Epoch
Recognized as “the age of man”, since it has
witnessed all of humanity’s recorded
Holocene history and the rise and fall of its
civilizations, and characterized by the
Epoch great advancement and development of
human knowledge and technology
 Anthropocene Epoch
The “Age of Humans”
Start of naming geologic-time terms needs to define
what exactly the boundary is, where it appears in the
rock strata.
Proposed epoch
 ❖Human global nuclear
annihilation
❖Biological warfare
Anthropogenic ❖Dysgenics
❖Overpopulation
Extinction ❖Ecological collapse
❖Climate Change
 ESSENTIAL QUESTION
• What are the changes that occurred in the anatomical
and physiological aspects of animal life upon the course
of evolution?
• What are the different evidence and theories of
evolution and how can you describe and explain each?
• What are the different time periods in the Geologic
Time Scale and what events happened in each GTS
time frame?
 OBJECTIVES
• discuss evolution, and the process of how the physical
properties and characteristics of animals change
through a long period of time.
• cite various observable phenomena and structures
which serve as evidence of evolution.
• describe and explain the different theories of evolution.
• identify the: (1) dominant species; and (2) changes
which occurred on both biotic and abiotic life through
Geologic Time Scale
EVOLUTION
A Historical Perspective
LESSON 4