Written Assignment Unit 1 1

Evidence and Mechanisms of Biological Evolution

Department of Health Science, University of the People

BIOL 1122- Biology 2 for Health Studies

Sonam Khandelwal- Instructor

November 22, 2023

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Evidence and Mechanisms of Biological Evolution

Introduction

According to Kutschera and Niklas (2004), biological evolution is a fundamental concept that

encompasses cumulative changes occurring in populations over time, elucidating the

mechanisms and adaptations leading to the immense diversity of organisms throughout history.

This paper summarizes the various types of evidence supporting the theory of evolution,

discusses the proposed mechanisms, and explores the potential impact of human influence on

this process.

Evidence Supporting Evolution

1. Fossil Record- One of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting evolution is the

fossil record (Black, 2021). Over the years, paleontologists have unearthed a plethora of

fossils documenting the gradual changes in species over time. For instance, the transition

from land-dwelling mammals to aquatic whales is well-documented through a series of

fossils showcasing the evolution of limb structure.

Figure 1

A Plethora of Fossil Possums

The skulls and jaws of inferred female (left) and male (right) Pucadelphys andinus as seen from the top, bottom, and

the side. From Ladevèze et al., 2011

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2. Comparative Anatomy- Comparative anatomy reveals structural similarities among different

species, pointing to a common ancestry. Cass et al. (2021) described the homologous

structures, such as the pentadactyl limb in vertebrates, suggest shared evolutionary origins.

Conversely, analogous structures, like wings in bats and birds, highlight adaptations to

similar environmental challenges (Coates, 1994).

Figure 2

Vertebrate fin archetypes

Vertebrate fin archetypes. (A) An idealised gill arch, at left of figure, transformed into an archipterygial fin and

girdle endoskeleton at right of figure (after Gegenbaur, in Jarvik, 1980)

3. Molecular Evidence- Goodman et al. (1994) mentioned the advances in molecular biology

have provided compelling evidence for evolution. DNA and protein sequence comparisons

among diverse species exhibit similarities that align with their evolutionary relationships. For

instance, the genetic code's universality supports the idea of a shared ancestry among all

living organisms.
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Modern Example of Natural Selection

One notable modern example of observed natural selection is the evolution of antibiotic

resistance in bacteria (Santos-López et al., 2021). In response to the selective pressure exerted by

antibiotics, bacteria with pre-existing resistance traits survive and reproduce, leading to a

population dominated by resistant strains. This demonstrates the ongoing process of natural

selection and the adaptation of organisms to environmental challenges.

Figure 3

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Note. By Bioninja

Mechanisms of Evolution

1. Natural Selection- Charles Darwin proposed natural selection as a driving force behind

evolution. Kutschera (2009) stipulated the basic concept involves the differential survival and

reproduction of organisms with advantageous traits. Over time, these traits become more

prevalent in the population, leading to evolutionary change.

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2. Genetic Drift- Genetic drift refers to random changes in gene frequencies within a

population. Cavalli-Sforza et al. (1964) mentioned this mechanism is particularly influential

in small populations, where chance events can lead to the fixation of certain traits. Genetic

drift is a significant factor in the evolution of isolated populations.

3. Gene Flow- According to Tigano and Friesen (2016), gene flow, or the movement of genes

between populations, can either homogenize or diversify gene pools. It occurs through

migration and interbreeding, influencing the genetic makeup of populations and contributing

to evolutionary processes.

Human Influence on Evolution

Human activities, such as selective breeding in agriculture and animal husbandry, demonstrate

our ability to influence evolution intentionally (Allendorf & Hard, 2009). Additionally,

anthropogenic factors like pollution and habitat destruction exert selective pressures on natural

populations, potentially driving evolutionary changes. However, the long-term consequences of

such influences remain complex and require careful consideration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theory of evolution is supported by a diverse array of evidence, including the

fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular data. The mechanisms driving evolution, such

as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow, collectively contribute to the continuous

adaptation and diversification of life. While humans can influence evolutionary processes, the
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full extent and consequences of our impact are complex and warrant ongoing exploration.

Evolution remains a dynamic and intricate force that shapes the biological world around us.

Word Counts: 645

References

Allendorf, F. W., & Hard, J. J. (2009). Human-induced evolution caused by unnatural selection

through harvest of wild animals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the

United States of America, 106(supplement_1), 9987–9994.

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0901069106

Black, R. (2021, May 4). A plethora of fossil possums. Science.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/a-plethora-of-fossil-possums

BioNinja. (n.d.). Antibiotic Resistance. https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-5-

evolution-and-biodi/52-natural-selection/antibiotic-resistance.html

Cass, A. N., Elias, A., Fudala, M. L., Knick, B. D., & Davis, M. C. (2021). Conserved

mechanisms, novel anatomies: the developmental basis of Fin evolution and the origin of

limbs. Diversity, 13(8), 384. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13080384

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Cavalli-Sforza, L., Barrai, I., & Edwards, A. W. F. (1964). Analysis of human evolution under

random genetic drift. Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology, 29(0), 9–

20. https://doi.org/10.1101/sqb.1964.029.01.006

Coates, M. I. (1994). The origin of vertebrate limbs. Development, 1994(Supplement), 169–180.

https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.1994.supplement.169

Goodman, M., Bailey, W. J., Hayasaka, K., Stanhope, M. J., Slightom, J. L., & Czelusniak, J.

(1994). Molecular evidence on Primate phylogeny from DNA sequences. American

Journal of Physical Anthropology, 94(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330940103

Kutschera, U., & Niklas, K. J. (2004). The modern theory of biological evolution: an expanded

synthesis. The Science of Nature, 91(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-004-0515-y

Kutschera, U. (2009). Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species, directional selection, and the

evolutionary sciences today. The Science of Nature, 96(11), 1247–1263.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-009-0603-0

Santos-López, A., Marshall, C. W., Haas, A. L., Turner, C. B., Rasero, J., & Cooper, V. S.

(2021). The roles of history, chance, and natural selection in the evolution of antibiotic

resistance. eLife, 10. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.70676

Tigano, A., & Friesen, V. L. (2016). Genomics of local adaptation with gene flow. Molecular

Ecology, 25(10), 2144–2164. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13606

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