Question

evidence of evolution
station 1: evolution of the whale video—evidences of evolution
what are two big claims about organisms according to evolution?

lines of evidences

definition

examples from whales that show they evolved from a land mammal.

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comparative anatomy (anatomical similarities)

embryology

fossil record

dna evidence

Explanation:

First, address the core evolutionary claims: 1) All organisms share a common ancestor, 2) Populations change over time via natural selection. Then, define each evidence type and link whale-specific examples to their land mammal origins:

1. Comparative Anatomy: Studies structural similarities across species. Whales have vestigial hind limb bones embedded in their body wall, leftover from their land-dwelling ancestors.
2. Embryology: Analyzes early developmental stages. Whale embryos grow hind limb buds (which later regress) and have a tail with a distinct hip structure, mirroring land mammal embryo development.
3. Fossil Record: Traces species changes via preserved remains. Fossils like Pakicetus (land-dwelling, wolf-like mammal) and Ambulocetus (semi-aquatic mammal) show a gradual transition to fully aquatic whales, with shrinking hind limbs and streamlined bodies.
4. DNA Evidence: Compares genetic sequences across species. Whales share over 90% of their DNA with even-toed ungulates (e.g., cows, hippos), their closest living land mammal relatives.

Answer:

Core Evolutionary Claims:

1. All living organisms share a common ancestral origin.
2. Organism populations change and diversify over long periods via evolutionary mechanisms.

Completed Table:

Lines of Evidences (Anatomical Similarities)	Definition	Examples from Whales that show they evolved from a Land Mammal.
Embryology	Analysis of early organism developmental stages	Whale embryos develop temporary hind limb buds that regress before birth; embryos have a nasal structure that shifts to the top of the head (blowhole) later in development, similar to land mammal embryo facial development
Fossil Record	Examination of preserved ancient organism remains	Transitional fossils like Pakicetus (land-dwelling, wolf-like ancestor), Ambulocetus (semi-aquatic, with functional hind limbs), and Basilosaurus (fully aquatic with reduced, non-functional hind limbs) show a gradual shift from land to water
DNA Evidence	Comparison of genetic sequences between species	Whales share high genetic homology (over 90% of core DNA) with even-toed ungulates (e.g., hippopotamuses), their closest living land mammal relatives