BIO-1201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Geologic Time Scale
Document Summary
Geological time scale divides history into eras. Eras defined by major geological or biological events. Paleontology study of fossil remains or other clues to past life. Darwin was a naturalist on a british ship sailing around the world to chart continents. Stops were made along s. america (equador) and at the galapagos islands off of the west coast of s. america. Darwin collected plants and animals for classification. If normal variation in a population gave an individual an competitive edge in this struggle, then nature would select them to survive and pass these traits on to new generations. Finches on the galapagos all resemble mainland finches in some form. All have adaptations to a specific environment on the islands. Individuals of a population must compete for limited resources. Members of a population display inheritable variation of traits. Some traits provide a selective advantage to the individual.
