Question 1

What are the main types of evidence for evolution covered in the IB DP Biology curriculum?

Accepted Answer

The IB DP Biology curriculum highlights several types of evidence for evolution, including fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography. Fossil records show the progression of species over time, comparative anatomy reveals homologous structures indicating common ancestry, molecular biology compares DNA sequences to find genetic similarities, and biogeography studies the distribution of species across the planet.

Question 2

How do fossil records support the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Fossil records provide chronological evidence of past life forms and their changes over time. They show transitional forms that bridge the gaps between major groups, illustrating the gradual process of evolution. For example, the fossil record of horses shows a clear progression from small, multi-toed ancestors to the large, single-toed animals we see today.

Question 3

What role does comparative anatomy play in providing evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Comparative anatomy involves studying the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. Homologous structures, such as the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats, indicate a common evolutionary origin despite their different functions. This suggests that these species have diverged from a common ancestor, supporting the theory of evolution.

Question 4

How does molecular biology provide evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Molecular biology provides evidence for evolution by comparing the DNA and protein sequences of different organisms. Similarities in genetic material suggest a common ancestry. For instance, humans and chimpanzees share about 98-99% of their DNA, indicating a close evolutionary relationship. This genetic evidence complements findings from other fields like paleontology and comparative anatomy.

Question 5

Why is biogeography considered evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Biogeography, the study of the distribution of species across different geographical areas, supports evolution by showing how species have adapted to their environments over time. For example, the unique species found on the Galápagos Islands, such as the finches studied by Charles Darwin, demonstrate how isolation and environmental factors can lead to speciation, providing strong evidence for natural selection and evolution.

Evidence for evolution

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