Evolution+Syllabus


 * __Topic 4: Evolution and Ecology__**

4.3.1 - Define Evolution (the process of cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population)

4.3.2 - State that populations tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support.

4.3.3 - Explain that the consequence of the potential overproduction of offspring is a struggle for survival.

4.3.4 - State that the members of a species show variation.

4.3.5 - Explain how sexual reproduction promotes variation in a species.

4.3.6 - Explain how natural selection leads to the increased reproduction of individuals with favourable heritable variations.

4.3.7 - Discuss the theory that species evolve by natural selection.

4.3.8 - Explain how natural selection leads to the increased reproduction of individuals with favourable heritable variations.


 * __Option D__**

__**D.1 Origin of Life on Earth (2h)**__

D.1.1- Outline the conditions of pre-biotic Earth, including high temperature, lightning, UV light penetration and a reducing atmosphere.

D.1.2 - Outline the experiments of Miller and Urey into the origin of organic compounds.

D.1.3 - Discuss the hypothesis that the first catalysts responsible for polymerization reactions were clay minerals and RNA.

D.1.4 - Discuss the possible role of RNA as the first molecule capable of replicating

D.1.5 - Discuss a possible origin of membranes and prokaryotic cells.

D.1.6 - Discuss the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of eukaryotes.

__**D.2 Origin of Species (3h)**__

D.2.1 - Outline Lamarck’s theory of evolution by the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

D.2.2 - Discuss the mechanism of, and lack of evidence for, the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

D.2.3 - Explain the Darwin–Wallace theory of evolution by natural selection.

D.2.4 - Discuss other theories for the origin of species including special creation and panspermia.

D.2.5 - Discuss the evidence for all these theories and the applicability of the scientific method for further investigation.