descent with modification. research in ecology

Descent with Modification.

Research in Ecology

A tale of bacteria.

WHERE DID FLESH-EATING BACTERIA COME FROM?

Microevolution!(Genetic change in populations over generations.)

Lots of things evolve.

Cars

Lots of things evolve.

Languages

Lots of things evolve.

Hair styles

Lots of things evolve.

Religions

Organic evolution

Is the change—over generations—of populations of living things.

TheodosiusDobzhansky,Geneticist(1900 – 1975)

“Nothing in Biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution.”

-- Theodosius Dobzhansky

Do you believe in evolution?

Dr. Krempels sez…

NO

Why not? Observable evidence provided by radiometric dating

and other scientific methods make me accept the fact that the Earth is billions of years old.

Physical evidence: DNA & morphological homology

Physical evidence: Embryo development homology

Physical evidence: Biogeography and fossil evidence

Remember…

Science is based on knowledge gained by observation of physical evidence.

Religion is based on faith in that which cannot be observed.

Unlike religious dogma, scientific inferences are subject to revision as new data become available.

So, to answer your question: No, I do not believe in evolution. I accept it as the most logical explanation for observable fact.

Belief is not an issue.

What is evolution?

Is evolution

“only a theory?”

What is evolution?

What is an “evolutionist”? Or a “Darwinist” ?

Evolution is a process.

Darwin was a person. (His ideas are Darwinian.)

What is evolution?

Definition of IDEOLOGY a : a systematic body of concepts

especially about human life or culture b : a manner or the content of thinking

characteristic of an individual, group, or culture

c : the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program

What is evolution?

Evolution is NOT an ideology.

Evolution is an observable, natural process.

What is Evolution? evolution - change over timeorganic evolution - change in living

populations over time

microevolution - genetic changes within a species over time

macroevolution - generation of new species from a common ancestral lineage over time

Common misconceptions

“Evolution is a theory about the Origin of Life.”

INCORRECT!

evolution is how life changes, not how it got here.

Common misconceptions

Let’s take a nominations:

Which species is the most highly evolved?

Common misconceptions

“Evolution is a process by which species become better over time.”

INCORRECT!

Common misconceptions

“Evolution is a process by which species become better over time.”

Evolution has no value system.Much of it happens due to random chance!

Common misconceptions

“Evolution is driven by organisms’ need for a particular trait.”

INCORRECT!

Common misconceptions

“Evolution is driven by organisms’ need for a particular trait.”

An adaptive trait will be passed on to the next generation.

But a species won’t be given the gift of an adaptive trait just because it “needs” it.

Common misconceptions

“Humans evolved from monkeys.”

INCORRECT!•Living species don’t evolve from each other.

•But related species share a common ancestor.

If you’re sitting here…

You are the product of successful ancestors who passed their

adaptive traits on to you.

This is true of all living things,

From the most flamboyant vertebrates

…to the humblest bacteria.

Evolution by means of Natural Selection.

Any questions?