BIOL208 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Banana Passionfruit, Botany, Polytomy
29 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life. Species share common traits (unity) because they are descended from common ancestor. Example: dna is the universal genetic language common to all organisms. Example: mammals share traits (terrestrially adapted amniotic eggs, body hair, produce milk, and feed their young) that arose in their common ancestor. Differences between species (diversity) are due to accumulation of heritable changes afte the species diverged from their common ancestor. Example: flightlessness in birds has evolved independently in many bird lineages especially on oceanic islands without predators. Scientists refer to unifying explanations of the natural world as theories. Theories: also known as natural laws, have withstood rigorous scientific testing, challenge, and debate. A scientific theory is supported by a large body of evidence. Evolution is the theory that binds our survey of biodiversity. Scientists make observations and then form and test hypotheses. The word science is derived form latin and means "to know"
