Biology (Mader), 10th Edition

Chapter 18: Origin and History of Life

Learning Outcomes

After studying this chapter, you should be able to accomplish the following outcomes.

Origin of Life

1. Outline two hypotheses for the origin of small organic molecules.
2. Discuss why RNA, instead of DNA or protein, may have been the first macromolecule.
3. Describe a means by which the protocell may have evolved.

4. Use the geologic timescale to trace macroevolution in broad outline.
5. Use a 24-hour day to show that most of the history of life on Earth pertains to unicellular organisms and life in the oceans.
6. Discuss significant events during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic era.

7. Give examples to show that continental drift and meteorite impacts contribute to mass extinctions and the history of life on Earth.