Evolution and the Fossil Record: Objectives

EVOLUTION AND THE FOSSIL RECORD

Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. explain the function of adaptations in organic evolution;
2. examine Darwin's idea about evolution, its strengths and weaknesses;
3. outline the evidences for evolution;
4. define gene, DNA and chromosome and indicate their importance in evolution;
6. discuss the relevance of sexual reproduction in evolution;
7. explain the conditions that lead to speciation and extinctions;
8. distinguish among extinctions, mass extinctions and pseudo-extinctions;
9. analyze the rates of origination and extinction of taxa and their evolutionary trends;
10.elaborate on gradual and punctuated evolution and their irreversibility.