SHS

GENERAL BIOLOGY 2
Quarter 3: Week 4 Module 4:
Evidence of Evolution
STEM – General Biology 2
Grade 11/12 Quarter 3: Week 4 - Module 4: Evidence of Evolution
First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Diana Rose D. Baldoza, T-I

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D, EPS in Charge of Science

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 General Biology 2
Quarter 3: Week 4 - Module 4:
Evidence of Evolution
 Target

In this module, it explicitly discusses the various concepts on pieces of

evidence in evolution on how changes in organisms occurred starting from the simple
origin of life to the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms existing today
which are intended for you to enjoy learning in biology. Through diverse fun-filled
activities, you will explore and describe the different evidence used in biology to show
that evolution did take place.

You will also learn to infer the evolutionary relationship between organisms
using the evidence of evolution.

After accomplishing this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain evidence of evolution (e.g., biogeography, fossil record,

DNA/protein sequences, homology, and embryology) (STEM_BIO11/12- IIIc-
g-12)
2. Infer evolutionary relationships among organisms using the evidence of
evolution (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIc-g-13)

Before going on, check how much you know about the lesson. Do the next activity on a
separate sheet of paper.
 Jumpstart

In the next activity you will appreciate a body structure that is present in us and in some
organisms related to humans.

Activity: What a Thumb Can Do For You

Do you understand how important your thumbs are? Only primates have
hands capable of grasping objects. The grasp is created possible by the opposable
thumbs. Are you aware that you simply perform plenty of tasks using your thumb
and fingers? have you ever experienced doing a series of tasks without the help of
your thumb?

Ask a companion to tape your thumbs to the palms of each hand with masking
tape. Be cautious not to wrap the tape too tightly because it will cut off the blood
circulation to your hand. Then do the following:

a. pick up your pen

b. write your name on a paper
c. turn the doorknob
d. pick up any plastic container
e. unbutton or rebutton a shirt

Question:

How has having an opposable thumb helped primates, especially humans to

adapt to their environment and survive better than other animals?

Sounds interesting! Let us go to another scientific journey.

 Lesson
Pieces of Evidence for
1 Evolution
In the previous lessons, it is said that evolution is the process of change in
species over time. Some changes are easily visible. Other changes occur so gradually
through time and are not easily observed.

Darwin’s theory of evolution was eventually recognized when scientists were

able to supply verifications that Darwin himself had been unable to specify. Natural
selection gives us with an outline in understanding the ideologies of evolution.
Darwin’s idea of evolution has been improved by new evidence that have been
gathered by modern scientists. Moreover still, modern scientists are at an
interminable expansion on collecting data and evidence that may verify or invalidate
the information about evolution of life that we have now. And these pieces of evidence
are significant in the field of biology.

Discover

Previously, you have studied the patterns of descent with modification from
our common ancestor to the present organismal diversity. As well as you also have
traced the development of evolutionary thoughts from a few notable individuals in
the field of evolution.

Before we begin, try some more activity to boost your vocabulary.

Activity: Word Parts

Directions: Below are words that have been divided into halves. Find the
pieces that fit together and write them in your answer sheets.

spe inhert gans igial bryology

igin sils lohous tation vest
riod fos cies tance lution
adap em ry evo pe
or homo theo its tra
CONCRETE EVIDENCE OF EVOLUTION AND HOW TO INFER USING ITS EVOLUTIONARY
RELATIONSHIP

A. Fossils

Fossils are preserved remnants of once living organisms trapped in rocks, tar
pits, frozen in ice or embedded in amber. The most common fossils are bones, shells
and seeds or pollen grains. Most fossils are formed in sedimentary rock.
Paleontologists (a specialist in the study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic
times), use the fossils found in rocks to track the evolutionary history of many
organisms.

(a) (b)
Figure 1. (a) Fossilized shrimp. (b) Mammalian (peccary) fossil
Source: http://www.citruscollege.edu/lc/archive/biology/Pages/Chapter17-Rabitoy.aspx

By identifying the age of rocks in which fossils appear, we can obtain an

accurate idea of how old the fossils are. Geologists use Relative dating rocks were
dated by their position with respect to one another; rocks in deeper strata are
generally older. On the other hand, in absolute dating rocks are dated by measuring
the degree of decay of certain radioisotopes contained in the rock; the older the rock,
the more its isotopes have decayed. Since radioactive isotopes decay at a constant
rate unchanged by temperature or pressure, the isotopes in a rock act as an internal
clock, determining the time after the rock was formed. Hence, the records found in
the rocks show a gradual evolutionary descent from simpler to more complex life
forms. Furthermore, the fossil record provides a clear record of the major evolutionary
transitions that have occurred through time.

B. Embryology

An embryo is an organism in its initial phases of development. While

embryology is the study of the development of the anatomy of an organism to its
adult form also gives evidence of relatedness between now widely different groups of
organisms. Scientists observed that at some point during the development process,
embryos of many different animals appeared so similar that it was difficult to tell
them apart. During development, at some time all vertebrates have a supporting
dorsal rod, called a notochord, and demonstrate paired pharyngeal pouches. This
could indicate that an organism passes through some of the embryonic stages that
its ancestors passed through. Then numerous variations occur in ways appropriate
to an organism’s final form.
 However, the similarities in the early stages of embryo development are further evidence
that living organisms have evolved from earlier living things and that they do share a common
ancestry.

Figure 2. Vertebrate embryonic development

Source: http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/nats104/00lect12.html

C. Anatomical Evidence

In comparing the anatomy and the development of organisms, it shows a unity

of plan among those that are closely related. The more body structures that two
species have in common, the more closely they are related. It adopts the idea of
“descent from a common ancestor”.

Similar structures in different species irrespective of their functions are called

homologous structures. Homology seems to indicate descent from common ancestor.
The limb skeletons of vertebrates are homologous structures.

Figure 3. The limb skeletons of vertebrates are homologous structures.

Source: http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/nats104/00lect12.html
 Analogous structures are structures which are different in appearance but have
the similar function. Analogy does not indicate common ancestry. Examples of are
the limbs of insects and mammals, and wings of butterflies and birds.

Figure 4. Analogy of bat & bird wings

Source: http://www.mun.ca/biology/scarr/ Analogy_of_forelimbs.htm

Vestigial structures seem like to give more evidence for evolutionary change.
Vestigial structures are anatomical features that are usually reduced and have no
function in many organisms. These are organs that were previously functional in
the ancestors of the species but are only remnants in the present-day species. For
example, skeletal extremities discovered in certain snakes have no known use to
these animals. In humans, appendix is thought to have no use, but in other
mammals it aids in the digestion of cellulose.
Table 1. Some Vestigial Organs in Man
Coccyx (tail bone) Appendix
Ear muscles for wiggling Wisdom teeth

D. Biochemical

Living organisms shared numerous related biochemical molecules, such as

DNA, ATP, amino acids, and enzymes. This finding supports descent from a common
ancestor. The more closely linked organisms are the more related is their
biochemical genetic makeup.

1. DNA/Nucleic acids
Genes are located in the chromosomes, which are made of DNA or
deoxyribonucleic acid. The more closely related two living organisms are, the
more similar the sequence of their DNA molecules will be.
 Figure 5. The phylogenetic tree of the hemogobin gene (with its branches)
shows the number of nucleotide changes that have occurred.
Source: https://evidenceforevolution13bio.weebly.com/biogeography.html

2. Proteins
Proteins are molecules that are
used to build up and repair body
parts. Scientists believe that the
more similar the structure of
protein molecules of different
organisms is, the more related
they are and the more recent the
existence of their common
ancestor. Unrelated species have
different amino acids.

Table 2. Cytochrome c
E. Biogeography
Biogeography is the study of the geographic distributions of organisms.
Darwin’s trip around South America allowed him to observe the diversity of
organisms in different areas and the resemblance of such species of birds and
tortoises in an island to nearby mainland. Darwin believed that the group of
organisms in each island is adapted to a distinct way of life. The common ancestors
of these organisms had come from one place, expanding out into other accessible
regions.
 Figure 6. Pangolins share similar characteristics with anteaters and armadillos

Need another activity! Try the next activity on the next page.

Explore

Activity 1: Complete the Map!

Direction: Complete the concept map. Use a separate piece of paper.

Evidence for Evolution

Activity 2: Practice Test
Directions: Fill in the puzzle. The puzzle contains terms used in the lesson.
Use the letter clues below to complete the spelling of each word.
1. _ _ _ _ E _ _ _
2. V________ _____ _
3. _O_____
4. ____L____ _
5. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _U _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
6. ___T___ _
7. _I__________
8. _____O____
9. _N______ _

Clues:

a. A proof or testimony
b. Non-functional or partly functional organs
c. Preserved remains of an ancient organisms
d. Similar structures from the same ancestral body parts but have
different functions
e. The major constituent of genes
f. Made up of amino acids
g. The study of the geographic distributions of organisms
h. The study of the development of the anatomy of an organism to its adult
form
i. Have similar functions but different anatomical structures

Deepen

Activity: Self -Test

Directions: Write a short explanation on each question below. Write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Can you describe why certain extinct plants and animals were not fossilized?
2. A friend informs you, “man came from apes” since many structural and
biochemical similarities are observed between them. How would you respond to this?

3. On the left are the structural palms of various

organisms or species of primates.
Tarsiers are one of the small species of primates
generally found at tropical islands like Bohol,
Philippines. Gibbons are small apes usually found
in the forests of Southeast Asian regions,
Chimpanzees are few of the assumed “smart”
animals and humans are considered to be the
highest form of “thinking organisms” on Earth.
One of the assertions of the theory of Evolution is
these organisms evolved from the related ancestor.

By examining at the picture how will you support

or reject the said claim?

4. In the book, Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton, scientists are able to

reconstruct dinosaurs by getting dinosaur DNA from a mosquito that had
been well-preserved in amber since the era of dinosaurs. Do you believe this
can actually happen in real life? Why?

Well done! Now get ready to measure your mastery on the next page.
 Gauge

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. DNA of the life-forms on Earth are almost universal and seem to be templated
from one original source, this line of inferring can be based from what evidence
of evolution?
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C. Molecular Biology D. Embryology

2. Exactly different organisms such fish and humans may have resemblances
during the early stage of their development and will lose some key likenesses as
they grow in later stage of development, which among the following is the line of
evidence and field of study that underlie the said concept for evolution?
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C Molecular Biology D. Embryology

3. Preserved bodies of cave dwelling man from cold and icy places suggested that
humans look different in the past, what evidence of evolution is used?
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C. Molecular Biology D. Embryology

4. Identify what evidence of evolution is used: vertebrate animals such as humans,

chickens and fish have gill slits and tails during their embryonic stage.
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C. Molecular Biology D. Embryology

5. Boa constrictors, a kind of snake has a remnant of what appears to be

rudimentary hind legs, what type of body structure are these?
A. Analogous structures B. Homologous structures
C. Embryonic structures D. Vestigial structure

6. These body structures indicate that organisms descended from a close common
ancestor.
A. Analogous structures B. Homologous structures
C. Embryonic structures D. Vestigial structures

7. Fox and polar bears which are distant relatives both developed white colored fur
to adapt to the snowy environment where they habituate. These body structures
are identified as:
A. Analogous structures B. Homologous structures
C. Embryonic structures D. Vestigial structures

8. This is the study of body structures of organisms to compare and infer

evolutionary links.
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C. Embryology D. Biogeography
9. Which among the following best explains the fossil records as an evidence of
evolution?
A. Recorded events from the past indicates that the Earth was once filled
with water.
B. Fossils suggest that the Earth is not the same as it is today, for instance
there were once a huge massive interconnected land termed as Pangaea.
C. Fossils recorded the history of life on Earth and indicates that ancient life
forms were different from modern day species.
D. Recorded activities of animals from prehistoric times suggest that people
came from monkeys.

10. How will you differentiate analogous structures from homologous structures as
evidence of evolution?
A. Analogous structures indicate common ancestry while homologous
structures suggest evolution because of same environmental factors.
B. Analogous structures are structures which indicates that organisms
might developed structures with same function as needs arise while
homologous structures showed pattern of common descent from different
body structures of closely related specie.
C. Both analogous and homologous structures are body structures used by
researchers to study the evolutionary development of organisms while
vestigial organisms showed different result.
D. B and C

11. What evidence of evolution is portrayed by the unique species on islands which
are usually isolated from another mainland?
A. Fossil record B. Comparative Anatomy
C. Embryology D. Biogeography

12. Mapping of DNA allows scientist to compare the genes of organisms from the past
and organisms present today, the evidence of evolution used is:
A. Fossil record B. Molecular Biology
C. Analogous structures D. Comparative Anatomy

13. Which is NOT true about fossils?

A. They suggest that life has a history.
B. They are proofs of life in the past.
C. The older the fossil, the less it looks like modern day species.
D. They seem precisely like modern-day species, regardless of their age

14. How will you use biogeography as an evidence to infer evolutionary relationship?
A. Organisms living closer at each other and sharing the same niche are also
closely related to each other.
B. The unique characteristics of the organisms living on a secluded area is
indicative of their ancestry and speciation.
C. Biogeography revealed that organisms with similar developmental pattern
even if found at different places might once live together before they were
separated due to natural events or forces.
D. All of the above

15. The
following are the pieces of evidence of evolution that may be used to infer the
evolutionary relationship between organisms, EXCEPT .
A. Comparative Anatomy B. Fossil record
C. Molecular Bonds D. Embryology
REFERENCES:

Printed materials:
APEX Evolution: Biology: Unit VII - Evolution: Disclosing Past Life. pdf Bio

Workbook. Evidence of Evolution. Pearson Prentice Hall.

Carale, Lourdes R. et al. Biology: Science and Technology Teacher's Guide. Book Media
Press Inc, 2009.

Carale, Lourdes R., Treyes, Rodolfo S. Biology: Science and Technology Textbook for Second Year.
Book Media Press Inc, 2009.

Commission on Higher Education. General Biology 2 Teaching Guide for Senior High School.
2016

Delgado, Cecille B., General Biology 2 – Grade 12 Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module
5: Evidences of Evolution First Edition, LRMDS – Bataan., 2020

Laylay, Marilou H., Martinez, Joyce Marie V. SciLINKS (Third International Mathematics and
Science Studies (TIMSS) – Based Learning Materials) Module 14 – Evolution and Natural
Selection. Merryland Publishing Corp. 2007

ProjectEASE(Effective AlternativeSecondary Education) – Biology:Module 15 Evolution.

Bureau of Secondary Education. Department of Education DepED
Complex, Meralco Avenue. Pasig City

Ramos, John Donnie A,. Biology: Exploring Life Through Science. Phoenix Publishing House
Inc. , 2012.

Raven, Peter H., Johnson, George B. Biology. 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill Higher
Education., 2003

Tiamzon, Maria Elena. et al. General Biology 2: Textbook for Senior High School.
Vibal Group Inc, 2016.

Websites:
http://www.citruscollege.edu/lc/archive/biology/Pages/Chapter17-Rabitoy.aspx

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/nats104/00lect12.html
http://www.mun.ca/biology/scarr/ Analogy_of_forelimbs.htm

http://zygote.swarthmore.edu/evo5.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gfp-shrimp-fossil.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peccary_fossil.jpg

https://evidenceforevolution13bio.weebly.com/biogeography.html

https://evidenceforevolution13bio.weebly.com/molecular-biology.html

https://wikis.engrade.com/a121biology2012/evidenceofevolution