Theories Of Evolution

Overview

Evolution, a fundamental concept in Biology, is the process through which living organisms have changed over time, leading to the vast diversity of forms, structures, and functions seen in the world today. It is the driving force behind the adaptation of species to their environment, ensuring their survival and reproduction in changing conditions.

Lamarck's Theory of Evolution proposed by the French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in the early 19th century suggested that organisms could pass on acquired traits to their offspring. According to Lamarck, if an organism used a particular trait extensively, it would develop and pass it onto its progeny. This theory emphasized the influence of the environment on an organism's evolution.

Darwin's Theory of Evolution, brought to light by Charles Darwin in the mid-19th century, introduced the concept of natural selection as the main mechanism driving evolution. Darwin proposed that organisms with advantageous traits for survival and reproduction would be more likely to pass on their genes to future generations, leading to the gradual change and adaptation of species over time.

The Organic Theory of Evolution views evolution as a continuous and ongoing process, with all living organisms sharing a common ancestry. This theory highlights the interconnectedness of species and the gradual modifications that have occurred over millions of years, resulting in the wide array of life forms present today.

Evidences supporting organic evolution include fossil records showing transitional forms of species, comparative anatomy revealing similarities in structure among different organisms indicating shared ancestry, molecular biology demonstrating genetic similarities across species, and biogeography illustrating the distribution patterns of species around the world.

By understanding the concept of organic evolution, delving into Lamarck's and Darwin's theories, exploring the organic theory of evolution, and identifying the compelling evidence supporting evolution, we gain profound insights into the mechanisms shaping the diversity of life on Earth.

Objectives

  1. Explore the organic theory of evolution
  2. Examine Lamarck's theory of evolution
  3. Analyze Darwin's theory of evolution
  4. Understand the concept of organic evolution
  5. Identify evidences supporting organic evolution

Lesson Note

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Theories Of Evolution. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Relate organic evolution as the sum total of all adaptive changes that have taken place over a long period of time resulting in the diversity of forms, structures and functions among organisms. Examine the contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the theory of evolution. Know evidences in support of organic evolution. Question: Which scientist proposed the theory of evolution based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics? A. Charles Darwin B. Gregor Mendel C. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck D. Alfred Russel Wallace Answer: C. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
  2. Question: Who proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection? A. Charles Darwin B. Gregor Mendel C. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck D. Alfred Russel Wallace Answer: A. Charles Darwin
  3. Question: Lamarck's theory of evolution is also known as: A. Theory of Acquired Inheritance B. Theory of Natural Selection C. Theory of Spontaneous Generation D. Theory of Intelligent Design Answer: A. Theory of Acquired Inheritance
  4. Question: According to Lamarck, in the theory of evolution, changes acquired during an organism's lifetime are passed on to: A. Offspring B. Siblings C. Parental generation D. Unrelated organisms Answer: A. Offspring
  5. Question: Darwin's theory of evolution is based on the principle of: A. Inheritance of acquired characteristics B. Spontaneous generation C. Survival of the fittest D. Constant unchanging species Answer: C. Survival of the fittest
  6. Question: Which concept proposed by Darwin refers to the process where individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce? A. Natural selection B. Artificial selection C. Genetic drift D. Mutation Answer: A. Natural selection
  7. Question: The theory of evolution based on the idea that all species are related and gradually change over time is known as: A. Lamarck's Theory B. Darwin's Theory C. Organic Theory D. Intelligent Design Theory Answer: C. Organic Theory
  8. Question: Fossil records, anatomical similarities, and embryological evidence are types of: A. Lamarck's acquired characteristics B. Darwin's natural selection C. Evidence supporting organic evolution D. Genetic drift Answer: C. Evidence supporting organic evolution
  9. Question: Which of the following is NOT an evidence supporting organic evolution? A. Molecular Biology B. Homologous Structures C. Vestigial Organs D. Theory of Spontaneous Generation Answer: D. Theory of Spontaneous Generation
  10. Question: The process of organic evolution results in: A. Decreased diversity among organisms B. Unchanging species over time C. Increased diversity of forms and functions D. Instantaneous adaptation to the environment Answer: C. Increased diversity of forms and functions

Recommended Books

On the Origin of Species
On the Origin of Species
Subtitle By Means of Natural Selection
Publisher Penguin Classics
Year 1859
ISBN 9780140432059
The Descent of Man
The Descent of Man
Subtitle And Selection in Relation to Sex
Publisher Oxford University Press
Year 1871
ISBN 9780199555923
Evolution in Four Dimensions
Evolution in Four Dimensions
Subtitle Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life
Publisher A Bradford Book
Year 2005
ISBN 9780262582659

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Theories Of Evolution from previous years

NECO SSCE - Biology - 2004 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Under secretion of thyroxine before maturity cause

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JAMB UTME - Biology - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

The theory of evolution can be defined as

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WAEC SSCE - Biology - 2021 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Which of the following statements is not Lamarck's postulate on evolution?

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Practice a number of Theories Of Evolution past questions