BIOLOGY

3RD QUARTER – SCIENCE

M AL E REPRODUCT IVE SY ST EM
o An essential function of all living things is reproduction, the
process by which life continues from one generation to the next.
o From 300 million to 400 million sperm in each ejaculation, only
one can fertilize an ovum.
o The reproductive system is a system of organs involved in
producing offspring.
F UNCT IONS OF T HE M AL E REPRODUCT IVE SYST EM
1. Production and storage of sperm
2. Transfer of sperm to the female’s body during sexual intercourse
o Testosterone : initiates physical changes that signal maturity,
including broadening of the shoulders, development of muscles
and facial and other body hair, and deepening of the voice
- the male sex hormone
M AL E REPRODUCT IVE ORGANS – EXT ER NAL
Testes -
stores the semen before ejaculation
-
two small glands that produce sperm
Penis -
releases semen F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE SY ST EM
-
a tube-shaped organ that extends from the trunk
of the body just above the testes o The female reproductive system matures at puberty and enables
women to reproduce.
Scrotum - protects sperm by keeping the testes slightly
o The organs of the female reproductive system enable pregnancy
below the normal body temperature
to occur with the first monthly ovulation.
- an external skin sac that extends outside the
o The female reproductive system has several functions, including
body and contains the testes
producing female sex hormones and storing the eggs.
o Spermatogenesis : the production of sperm
o A female at birth has more than 400,000 immature ova in her
o Sperm : the male reproductive cells; a thick fluid containing
ovaries.
sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system
F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE ORGANS
M AL E REPRODUCT IVE ORGANS – INT ERNAL
Vas Deferens Ovaries - the female sex glands that store the
ova, or eggs, and produce female sex
Urethra hormones
Seminal Vesicles - located on each side of the uterus
- contain ova and produce hormones
Prostate Gland Uterus - hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ
that nourishes and protects a fertilized
Cowper’s Glands ovum until birth
- protects and nourishes a developing
fetus
SEXUAL L Y T RANSM IT T ED DISEASE S
Fallopian Tubes - pair of tubes with fingerlike projections
Chlamydia and - bacterial infections that cause discharge that draw in the ovum
Gonorrhea from the penis and burning upon Cervix - the opening of the uterus
urination Vagina - passageway from the uterus to the
- both conditions can damage outside of the body
reproductive health - muscular, elastic passageway that
Syphilis - another bacterial infection that if left extends from the uterus to the outside of
untreated, syphilis can spread and the body
damage internal organs Endometrium - the tissue that lines the uterus
Genital Herpes - a virus that causes periodically o Ovulation : process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian
occurring blister-like sores in the genital tube each month
area - controlled by the release of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary
gland
C ON D IT ION S R EQU IR IN G PR OFESSION A L H EA LT H SER VIC ES o Zygote : result of fertilization of an egg by a sperm
o Menstruation : shedding of the uterine lining
Inguinal Hernia - a separation of tissue that allows part
of the intestine to push into the
abdominal wall near the top of the
scrotum
- symptoms may include a lump in the
groin near the thigh, pain in the groin,
or in severe cases, partial or complete
blockage of the intestine
Sterility - can result from too few sperm—fewer
than 20 million per milliliter of seminal
fluid—or sperm of poor quality
- causes of sterility include
Environmental Hazards, Hormonal
Imbalance, certain medications and
use of drugs, some diseases–
including STDs
- the inability to reproduce
Testicular Cancer - can affect males of any age but
occurs most often in males between
the ages of 14 and 40
- with early detection most testicular
cancer is treatable through surgery, F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE SY ST EM PROBL EM S
radiation therapy, or chemotherapy
Menstrual - cramps that occur at the beginning of a
Prostate Problems - can affect males of any age but
Cramps menstrual period
occurs most often in males between
the ages of 14 and 40 Premenstrual - disorder caused by hormonal changes
- with early detection most testicular Syndrome
cancer is treatable through surgery, Toxic Shock - rare but serious bacterial infection that
radiation therapy, or chemotherapy Syndrome affects the immune system and the liver

INF ERT IL IT Y AND OT HER DISORDERS
Endometriosis - uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
STDs - diseases spread through sexual contact
Vaginitis - infection that causes discharge, odor,
pain, itching, or burning
Ovarian Cysts - fluid-filled sacs on the ovary
Cancer - cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries
T HE F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE SY ST EM – F UNCT IONS
1. Produce sex hormones
2. Estrogen, Progesterone
3. Produce egg (ova)
4. Support & protect developing embryo
5. Give birth to new baby
T HE F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE SY ST EM – ST RUCT URE
F EM AL E REPRODUCT IVE ORGANS
Female Breast - also called mammary glands
- an accessory organ of the female
reproductive system
- provides milk to nurse the infant
(lactation) after birth
- consists of mammary glands and
ducts
- Areola : the dark-pigmented area
surrounding the nipple
Ovaries - two small solid oval structures
- located in the pelvic cavity
- produce ova and secrete female
hormones
- most female ovaries contain between
200,000 to 400,000 immature ova
(oocytes) in each ovary at birth
Uterus - about 3 inches long
- pear-shaped muscular organ in the
female reproductive tract
- expands considerably during the
reproductive process
- grows to from 10 to 20 times its normal
size during pregnancy
- 3 parts – Fundus (upper), Body
(middle), Cervix (lower)
- 3 layers – Perimetrium (outer),
Myometrium (middle), Endometrium
(inner)
o Ovum : fertilized or not, will end up in the uterus
o Fundus : upper portion of the uterus where pregnancy
occurs
o Cervix : lower portion of the uterus that connects with the
vagina and serves as a sphincter to keep the uterus closed
during pregnancy until it is time to deliver a baby
Fallopian Tubes - stretch from the uterus to the ovaries
and measures about 8 to 13 cm in
length
- the ends of the fallopian tubes lying next
to the ovaries feather into ends called
fimbria
- millions of tiny hair-like cilia line the
fimbria and interior of the fallopian tubes
o Fertilization : typically occurs in the fallopian tube
- happens when the sperm and egg unite
HORM ONES
Estrogen - important for sexual and reproductive
development, mainly in women
- also referred to as female sex hormones
Human Chorionic - a hormone produced by the placenta
Gonadotropin after implantation
(HCG)
Prolactin - hormone that tells the body to make
breast milk when a person is pregnant
or breast-feeding
Progesterone - helps to regulate your cycle
- its main job is to get your uterus ready
for pregnancy
Follicle- - helps women release their eggs and
stimulating men to make sperm
Hormone (FSH) - both men and women make this
hormone
- not having enough of FSH can make it
harder to get pregnant
Oxytocin - sometimes known as the "cuddle
hormone" or the "love hormone"
- released when people snuggle up or
bond socially also acts on organs in the
body (including the breast and uterus)
- a chemical messenger in the brain,
controlling key aspects of the
reproductive system, including childbirth
and lactation, and aspects of human
behavior
PAT H OF AN EGG IN T HE OVARIAN CYCL E
Ovaries release the eggs cylically from the graafian follicle → The
fertilized egg is transported to the uterus where it develops into an
embryo → At the end of gestation, the infant is born through the
vagina or surgically through the abdomen in a Cesarean delivery
DIAGNOST IC, PROCEDURAL , AND L ABORAT ORY T ERM S
o Gynecologists : physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of
the female reproductive system
o Obstetrician : diagnoses and treats both normal and abnormal
pregnancies and childbirth
EXAM INAT ION OF T HE VAGINA AND CERVIX
Papanicolau Smear - gathers cells from the cervix to
detect cervical and vaginal cancer
- speculum is used
Colposcopy - a lighted instrument used to examine
the cervix and vagina
Hysteroscopy - use of a lighted instrument to examine
the interior of the uterus
Culdoscopy - use of an endoscope to examine the
contents of the pelvic cavity
o Mammography : X-ray of the breast, used to screen for breast
cancer
- recommended age differs based on family history, physical
condition and the recommending body (AMA, ACS, and NIH)
o Pregnancy Test : a blood or urine test to detect human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG)
- can be detected by palpation of the uterus during an internal
examination by the gynecologist or obstetrician
o Fertility Test (Hysterosalpingography) : an examination of the
uterus and uterine tubes following the injection of a contrast
medium
M ENST RUAL ABNORM AL IT IES
Amenorrhea absence of menstruation
Menorrhagia excessive menstrual bleeding
Menometrorrhagia irregular and excessive bleeding during or
between periods
Metrorrhagia bleeding between periods
Oligomenorrhea scanty menstrual flow
Dysmenorrhea painful cramping during menstruation
o Menarche : occurrence of first menstruation
o Climacteric : period leading up to menopause
o Menopause : signals the end of child-bearing years
T HE NERVOUS S YST EM
o Nervous System : the highly complex part of an animal that
coordinates its actions and sensory information by transmitting
signals to and from different parts of its body
- consists of two divisions – Central Nervous System, containing
the brain and the spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous
System, which is a network of nerves and neural tissues
branching out throughout the body
T YPES OF NEURONS
o Neurons : the nerve cells, the structural and functional units of
the nervous system
- conduct impulses that enable the body to interact with its internal
and external environments
o Neuroglia : tissues that support the nerve cells
• Motor Neurons - usually have one axon and
several dendrites
- cause muscle contractions and
control secretions from glands
 and organs, controlling body
functions
- Axon : covered with an insulating
fatty layer called Myelin Sheath,
and transmits signals a long
distance from the neuron to the
area to be activated
• Sensory Neurons - do not have true dendrites
- attached to sensory receptors and
transmit impulses to the central
nervous system, which then
stimulate the interneurons, and
then motor neurons
• Interneurons - located entirely within the central
nervous system
- intercept the impulses from the
sensory neurons and transmit the
signals to the motor neurons
NERVE F IBERS
Schwann Cells - only found on peripheral nerves which can
regenerate
Myelin Sheath - a fatty layer of insulation on some nerve
fibers
Axon - transmit the message
Afferent Nerve - conduct impulses to the central nervous
system
Efferent Nerve - conduct impulses to the muscles, organs,
and glands
o Synapses : transmits nerve impulses
- hooks dendrites from one neuron to another
- number of synapses influences transmission
GRAY AND WHIT E M AT T ER – CNS
o The brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system receive
impulses, process the information, and respond with the
appropriate action.
o Gray matter of the brain and spinal cord consists of
unsheathed nerve fibers (cannot be regenerated if damaged) in
the cortex or surface layer.
o The white matter makes up the internal structure, and consists
of myelinated nerve fibers.
M ENINGES
o The brain and spinal cord are enclosed by 3 membranes,
collectively known as the meninges.
Dura Mater - outside membrane
Arachnoid - middle membrane
Pia Mater - inner membrane
PART S OF T HE BRAIN
Cerebrum - takes up 7/8 of the brain’s weight
- governs all sensory and motor activity
- includes sensory perception,
emotions, consciousness memory,
and voluntary movements
- divided into left and right hemispheres
- Gyrus : folds of the surface or cortex
- Sulcus : furrows of the surface or
cortex
Cerebellum - second largest part of the brain
- contains nerve fibers that connect it to
every part of the central nervous
system
- coordinates voluntary and involuntary
- patterns of movements
- also adjusts muscles to automatically
maintain posture
Diencephalon - refers to the Thalamus and
Hypothalamus
o Thalamus : the relay center for all
sensory impulses except olfactory
(sense of smell) and motor areas of
the cortex
o Hypothalamus : regulates behavior
and emotional expression, body
temperature and many metabolic
activities
- controls hormonal secretion of the
pituitary gland
Brainstem - consists of 3 structures – Gray Matter,
White Matter, and Medulla Oblongata
o Gray Matter : control visual reflexes
and sense of hearing
o White Matter : plays a role in
regulating visceral (internal organ)
control
o Medulla Oblongata : connects the
rest of the brain to the spinal cord
- regulates breathing, swallowing,
coughing, sneezing, vomiting,
heartbeat, and blood pressure
Spinal Cord - has 31 segments – Cervical,
Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Coccygeal
o Cervical : C1-C8
o Thoracic : T1-T12
o Lumbar : L1-L5
o Sacral : S1-S5
o Coccygeal : 1 segment
- The 44 cm long spinal cord is shorter
than the spinal column, so segments
do not perfectly correspond to the
vertebrae.
- At each segment of the spinal cord,
left and right pairs of sensory and
motor nerves branch out and connect
to the peripheral nervous system.
Cerebrospinal - colorless fluid is produced in the
Fluid ventricles of the brain
- surrounds the brain and spinal cord
- cushions the brain and cord from
shocks that could cause injury
- maintained at a level around 1/2 - 2/3
cup
4 L OBES OF T HE CEREBRUM
Frontal Lobe - specializes in motor activity, personality,
and speech
Parietal Lobe - where language, temperature, pressure,
touch are interpreted
Temporal Lobe - contains centers for hearing, smell, and
language input
Occipital Lobe - specializes in vision
PERIPHE RAL NERVOUS SYST EM
o Peripheral Nervous System : network of nerves branching out
throughout the body from the brain and spinal cord
12 PAIRS OF CRANIAL NERVES
Olfactory Nerve - carries sensory input for smell
Optic Nerve - carries sensory input for vision
Oculomotor Nerve - controls muscles of the eye and eyelid
Trochlear Nerve - controls the eyeball
Trigeminal Nerve - controls the face, nose, mouth,
forehead, top of head, and jaw
Abducens Nerve - also controls the eyeball
Facial Nerve - controls muscles of the face and
scalp, and part of the tongue for
sense of taste
Auditory/Cochlear - provides sensory input for hearing and
Nerve equilibrium
Glossopharyngeal - controls saliva, swallowing, and taste.
Nerve
Vagus Nerve - the longest cranial nerve, extending to
and controlling the heart, lungs,
stomach, and intestines
Accessory Nerve - permits movement of the head and
shoulders
Hypoglassal Nerve - controls the muscles of the tongue
AUT ONOM IC NERVOUS SYST EM
o Sympathetic Nervous System : responsible for the ‘flight or
fight’ response
- increased alertness, metabolic rate, respiration, blood pressure,
heart rate, and sweating and a decrease in digestive and urinary
function
o Parasympathetic Nervous System : counteracts the responses
of the sympathetic system restoring homeostasis
DISORDERS OF T HE NERVOU S SY ST EM
Meningitis - inflammation/swelling of the protective
membranes covering the brain & spinal
cord
- bacterial or viral infection of the fluid
surrounding the brain and spinal cord
usually causes the swelling
 - injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other
types of infections can cause meningitis
Hydrocephalus - a condition in which an accumulation of
cerebrospinal fluid occurs within the brain
- causes increased pressure in the skull
T HE ENDOCRINE SY ST EM
o Endocrine System : made up of glands and the hormones they
secrete
- primary hormone producers
o Function : the production and regulation of chemical substances
called hormones
HORM ONES
o Hormone : a chemical transmitter released in small amounts
from glands, and is transported in the bloodstream to target
organs or other cells
- chemical messengers, transferring information and instructions
from one set of cells to another
- regulate growth, development, mood, tissue function,
metabolism, and sexual function
o Hypothalamus : a collection of specialized cells located in the
brain, and is the primary link between the two systems
- produces chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone
secretions of the pituitary gland
SECRET IONS – ANT ERIOR PIT UIT ARY GL AND
Growth Hormone - essential for the growth and
development of bones, muscles, and
other organs
- enhances protein synthesis,
decreases the use of glucose, and
promotes fat destruction
Adrenocorticotropin - essential for the growth of the
adrenal cortex
- helps regulate metabolism and helps
your body respond to stress
Thyroid-Stimulating - essential for the growth and
Hormone development of the thyroid gland
Follicle-Stimulating - a gonadotropic hormone
Hormone - stimulates the growth ovarian follicles
in the female and the production of
sperm in the male
Luteneizing - a gonadotropic hormone stimulating
Hormone the development of corpus luteum in
the female ovarian follicles and the
production of testosterone in the
male
Prolactin - stimulates the development and
growth of the mammary glands and
milk production during pregnancy
Melanocyte- - regulates skin pigmentation and
Stimulating promotes the deposit of melanine in
Hormone the skin after exposure to sunlight
SECRET IONS – POST ERIOR PIT UIT ARY GL AND
Antidiuretic - stimulates the reabsorption of water by the
Hormone renal tubules
- hyposecretion can result to diabetes insipidus
Oxytocin - stimulates the uterus to contract during labor,
delivery, and parturition
o Pitocin : synthetic version of this hormone
which also stimulates the mammary glands to
release milk
SECRET IONS – PINEAL GL AND
Melatonin - communicates information about environmental
lighting to various parts of the body
Serotonin - a neurotransmitter that regulates intestinal
movements and affects appetite, mood, sleep,
anger, and metabolism
SECRET IONS – T HYROID GL AND
- plays a vital role in metabolism and regulates the body’s
metabolic processes
Calcitonin - influences bone and calcium
metabolism
- maintains a homeostasis of calcium
in the blood plasma
Thyroxine (T4) and - essential to BMR – basal metabolic
Triodothyronine (T3) rate (the rate at which a person’s
body burns calories while at rest)
- influences physical/mental
development and growth
o Hyposecretion of T3 and T4 –
cretinism, myxedema, Hashimoto’s
disease
o Hypersecretion of T3 and T4 –
Grave’s disease, goiter, Basedow’s
disease
SECRET IONS – PARAT HYROID GL AND
- the two pairs of parathyroid glands are located on the dorsal or
back side of the thyroid gland
- they secrete Parathyroid (PTH) which plays a role in the
metabolism of phosphorus
- too little results in cramping
- too much results in osteoporosis or kidney stones
ISL ET S OF L ANGERHANS
o Islets of Langerhans : small clusters of cells located in the
pancreas
SECRET IONS – ISL ET S OF L ANGERHANS
Alpha Cells - facilitate the breakdown of glycogen to
glucose
- elevates the blood sugar
Beta Cells - secrete the hormone insulin, which is
essential for the maintenance of normal blood
sugar levels
- inadequate levels result in diabetes mellitus
Delta Cells - suppress the release of glucagon and insulin
ADRENAL GL ANDS
o Adrenal Glands : triangular-shaped which is located on the top
of each kidney
- Medulla – inside, Cortex – outside
SECRET IONS – ADREN AL CORT EX
Cortisol - regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat
metabolism
- has an anti-inflammatory effect
- helps the body cope during times of stress
Corticosterone - like cortisol, it is a steroid
- influences potassium and sodium
metabolism
Aldosterone - essential in regulating electrolyte and water
balance by promoting sodium and chloride
retention and potassium excretion
Androgens - includes several hormones including
testosterone
- promote the development of secondary sex
characteristics in the male
SECRET IONS – ADREN AL M EDUL L A
Dopamine - used to treat shock
- dilates the arteries, elevates systolic blood
pressure, increases cardiac output, and
increases urinary output
Epinephrine - also called adrenaline
- elevates systolic blood pressure,
increases heart rate and cardiac output,
speeds up the release of glucose from the
liver–giving a spurt of energy, dilates the
bronchial tubes and relaxes airways, and
dilates the pupils to see more clearly
- often used to counteract an allergic
reaction
Norepinephrine - released when the body is under stress
- creates the underlying influence in the
fight or flight response
- triggers a drop in heart rate when used as
a drug
SECRET IONS – REP RODUCT IVE ORGAN
Ovaries – Estrogen - produce several estrogen hormones
and Progesterone and progesterone
- prepare the uterus for pregnancy,
promote the development of
mammary glands, play a role in sex
drive, and develop secondary sex
characteristics in the female
 o Estrogen : essential for the growth,
development, and maintenance of
female sex organs
Testes – - essential for normal growth and
Testosterone development of the male sex organs
- responsible for the erection of the
penis
Placenta – - the placenta serves as an endocrine
Chorionic gland
Gonadotropic
Hormone (CGH),
Estrogen,
Progesterone
SECRET IONS – GAST ROINT EST INAL M UCOSA
Gastrin - secreted from the pyloric area of the stomach
- stimulates the production of gastric acid for
digestion
Secretin - secreted from the mucosa of the duodenum and
jejenum
- stimulates pancreatic juice, bile, and intestinal
secretion
o Thymosin : secreted by the Thymus
- necessary for the Thymus’ normal production of T cells for the
immune system
NUCL EIC ACIDS
o Nucleic Acids : biomolecules which are essential to all known
forms of life, and only come in two
- composed of monomers called nucleotides
NUCL EOT IDES – COM PONENT S
o Ribose : an organic compound classified as a monosaccharide,
or simple sugar
- the five carbons that form the majority of the structure give the
molecule a pentagon shape
DEOXYRIBONUCL EIC ACID
o DNA : made up of chains of nucleotides
- described as a double helix strand
- each nucleotide consists of a five-carbon sugar called
deoxyribose and a sugar-phosphate backbone group, which
make up the nitrogenous bases of DNA
o 4 Nitrogenous Bases : Adenine–Thymine, Cytosine–Guanine
CAT EGORIES AND IM PORT ANCE OF DNA
Y-line DNA - only found in men as only men possess y-
chromosomes
- used to test the y-chromosome present in a
group of men
Mitochondrial - passed from mothers to both gender of her
DNA children but only passed on by females
- defines deep ancestry
Autosomal - the rest of the DNA provided by both
DNA parents on the 23 chromosomes, not just
two direct lines
- provides a list of cousins from all your lines
RIBONUCL EIC ACID
o RNA : has a complete oxygen and hydrogen atom attached in
each carbon atom
- described as single strand
o 4 Nitrogenous Bases : Adenine–Uracil, Cytosine–Guanine
CAT EGORIES AND IM PORT ANCE OF RNA
Messenger - made up of nucleotides found in that
RNA (mRNA) nucleus that come together to make a
complementary sequence to the DNA
blueprint
- as the main role in transcription, or the first
step in making a protein from a DNA
Transfer RNA - highly folded structure that holds an amino
(tRNA) acid on one end and has what is called an
anticodon on the other end
- the tRNA anticodon is a complementary
sequence of the mRNA codon
- has the important job of making sure the
correct amino acids are put into the
polypeptide chain in the correct order during
the process of translation
Ribosomal - named for the organelle it makes up
RNA (rRNA) - holds the single stranded mRNA in place so
the tRNA can match up its anticodon with
the mRNA codon that codes for a specific
amino acid
T HEORY OF EVOL UT ION
o Evolution : the process of change over time
- a change in the frequency of a gene or allele in a population over
time
CHARL ES DARWIN
o Charles Darwin : father of evolution
- proposed a mechanism for evolution–natural selection
- Darwin went on a 5-year trip around the world on the ship,
the HMS Beagle
- he made observations of organisms in South America and the
Galapagos Islands
DARWIN’S T HEORY OF NAT URAL SEL ECT ION
o Natural Selection : organisms that are best adapted to an
environment survive and reproduce more than others
4 STEPS – THEORY OF NATURAL SELECTION
Overproduction - each species produces more offspring
that can survive
Variation - each individual has a unique combination
of inherited traits
o Adaptation : an inherited trait that
increases an organism’s chances of
survival
Competition - individuals compete for resources
- occurs through “Survival of the Fittest”
- the ability to survive long enough to
reproduce
Selection - individuals with the best traits /
adaptations will survive and have the
opportunity to pass on its traits to
offspring
- Natural selection acts on the phenotype
(physical appearance), not the genotype
(genetic makeup)
o Descent with Modification : each living species has descended,
with changes, from other species over time
o Common Descent : all living organisms are related to one
another
- In 1859, Charles Darwin changed the ancestral view when he
published the Origin of the Species. He challenged the whole
organism theory, organisms were created just as you find them
today, offered by Aristotle and offered a new one. Organisms my
be quite different than their ancestors due to Natural Selection.
EVIDENC E F OR EVOL UT ION
Fossil Record - a record of the history of life on Earth
o Archaeopteryx : missing link between
reptiles and birds
Homologous - similar anatomy in different types of
Body Structures animals because of common ancestor
Vestigial Organs - “leftover” traces of evolution that serve
no purpose
Embryology - embryos of all vertebrates are very
similar early on
Biochemical - DNA with more similar sequences
Evidence suggest species are more closely
related
PEOPL E WHO CONT RIBUT ED F OR T HE T HEORY
Thomas Malthus - He predicted that the population
of humans will grow faster than
the amount of space and food that
they need to survive.
- It was written in his essay on the
principle of population.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck - He is known for his theory of the
inheritance of acquired traits.
- He was the first to give an
explanation on how organisms
change over time.
Charles Darwin - Because of his voyages, he was
able to provide pieces of evidence
to his theory of evolution, writing
them in his book On The Origin of
Species by Means of Natural
Selection (1859)
Alfred Wallace - He proposed his own theory of
common descent based on
Darwin's theory of evolution.
Georges Cuvier - He proposed the theory of
extinction based on fossils. He
also came up with the theory of
catastrophism, which provides an
explanation on the mass
extinction of organisms in the
past.
Richard Owen - He coined the term homology,
defining it as "different animals
having the same organs but with
different forms and functions."