Evidence of Evolution, Darwin's Theory & The Modern Synthesis

Tomorrow in class we will be working on 13.2 through 13.6. Key topics include:
*the fossil record
*biogeography
*comparative anatomy
*comparative embryology
*molecular biology
*natural selection as a component of evolution
*the case study of the quiet crickets
*populations & introducing population genetics

To sum up natural selection and the forces involved in that process we will watch this video clip:

and answer these questions (which are adapted from the PBS teacher's website)
1. Below are four components of natural selection. Describe each of these components.

Genetic variation:

Overproduction of offspring:

Struggle for existence:

Differential survival and reproduction:

2. What kinds of limited resources can create a struggle between individuals in a population?

3. What kinds of variable traits within a population might natural selection act upon?

4. How does natural selection affect the genetic variation within the next generation of the same population?

Lab Homework: Print and read the lab handout. C block, you must do this for Wednesday, D & A blocks you need to complete this by Saturday. Read carefully, as there is a good chance you will have a pre-lab quiz. You do not need to paste this into your lab notebooks.