Ex.24. Darwin's theory. What does evolution mean? Do you know anything about Charles Darwin? What do you know about natural selection?
You have probably seen on the television some nature films about the Galapagos Islands. Their wild life, their birds – and these wonderful giant turtles – make them a rich source for nature film makers.
But these islands are important for another reason. It was here, in 1835, during a round - the – world trip on the surveying ship Beagle, that the great naturalist Charles Darwin made the observations which led to his Theory of Evolution.
What do you think about Darwin's Theory of Evolution?
a. I agree with his theory of natural selection that helps animals to survive
b. I do not agree with his ideas published in The Origin of Species
c. I agree with him, his theory made nonsense of the Bible stories.
d. I cannot agree with his ideas, as there are many examples with his theory cannot explain.
Ex.25. Scientists since Darwin have discovered a great deal about evolution and the way characteristics are inherited (passed on from one generation to the next).
Some examples you can see in a film Myths and misconceptions about evolution by Alex Gendler. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZt1Gn0R22Q
Ex.26. Answer the questions to the video:
1. Which metaphor best describes evolution?
a. An architect building from blueprints. b. Random chaos and explosions. c. An improve comedy routine.
2. How can organisms that die without reproducing still propagate their genes?
a. Their genes are absorbed into the soil when they die. b. They can help the survival or reproduction of relatives who carry copies of the same genes. c. They can’t.
3. Why do some non-‘ideal’ traits exist in organisms?
a. They are helpful in mate selection rather than directly beneficial to survival. b. They are secondary ‘baggage’ that has accompanied more beneficial traits. c. All of the above
4. Why are some genes passed on but not others?
a. A guiding force selects the best genes in each generation to pass on. b. Mutations in some genes affect organism traits and behaviors in ways that affect their reproductive. c. It’s completely random.
5. Why are humans not ideally adapted to their current environment?
a. Because our environment has been changing more quickly than it takes evolution to occur. b. Because the rules of evolution do not apply to intelligent beings. c. Because there are too many of them.
6. Explain the concept of ‘natural selection’ and what it really means. Specify what mechanism actually causes the natural selection and why it occurs.
7. Elephants who are past reproductive age often lose their teeth in old age, and then slowly starve to death as a result. Explain why there is no evolutionary pressure for this terrible and seemingly maladaptive situation to change.
8. Many organisms, such as the anglerfish, exhibit large degrees of sexual dimorphism, where the male and female of the same species differ greatly in size and/or other characteristics. Can you think of some reasons why such a situation would have evolved or how it is beneficial?