Chapter 1: Evolution

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

• Explain the scientific theory of evolution and describe how it accounts for the diversity and common ancestry of life on Earth.
• Identify and interpret key fossil evidence that challenges the concept of static species and supports evolutionary change over time.
• Describe Charles Darwin’s contributions to evolutionary theory, including the role of natural selection, and contrast them with earlier theories.
• Summarize the five main categories of evidence for evolution: fossils, comparative anatomy, biogeography, embryonic development, and genetic evidence.
• Differentiate between the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.
• Compare the different types of natural selection—stabilizing, directional, disruptive, frequency-dependent, and sexual selection.