Up to this point, this course has explored some evidence that evolution has occurred. Fossils have preserved a record, albeit imperfect, of the history of life on Earth. The shared anatomy of animals (and plants, fungi, etc.) is called interrelatedness. The relatively newfound ability to “read” our common genetic code has revealed even more compelling clues to the interrelatedness between all living things and has opened our eyes to understanding how complex forms are constructed.
The focus of this course will now shift from the question “What evidence is there that evolution has led to the formation of new species via descent with modification?” to “Through what mechanisms can such descent be accomplished?” In other words, we will discuss how new species can be made from old species.
Begin this week by playing the game Microevolution. Here you will see microevolution at work through this interactive exercise. Next, navigate through the Selection content item where you will look at the process of microevolution and the components that influence it. Next, you will have an opportunity to identify Changes in Population by visiting this interactive activity.
In this module we are focused on microevolution, or small changes within a species/population of organisms over a relatively short period of time. Search for some real world examples of microevolution. Provide a source/citation for your example and summarize it for your classmates. You MAY NOT repeat the same example given by a classmate, so make sure that you are reading their responses before you post and posting early in the week.
