AP Biology (Mader), 11th Edition

Chapter 15: Darwin and Evolution

Learning Outcomes

15.1 History of Evolutionary Thought

1. Describe Darwin's trip aboard the H.M.S. Beagle and some of the observations he made.
2. Identify historical figures and their viewpoints before and during the development of Darwin's theory.

15.2 Darwin's Theory of Evolution

1. Summarize the stages of evolution by natural selection.
2. List examples of the evidence Darwin gathered from fossils and biogeography that supported his growing idea of shared ancestry.
3. Give examples of how the mechanisms of evolutionary change can be identified and studied.

15.3 Evidence for Evolution

1. Interpret one example from each area of study – fossil, anatomical, biogeographical, and biochemical as evidence supporting the descent of all life from a common ancestor.
2. Interpret misconceptions of evolution proposed by Darwin's critics.