AP Biology · Unit 7: Natural Selection
7.6 Evidence of Evolution
In short
You are expected to understand the various types of data that support evolution, including geographical, geological, physical, biochemical, and mathematical evidence. You must know that fossils can be dated using the age of rocks, isotope decay rates (e.g., carbon-14), and geographical data.
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What else do you need to know about Evidence of Evolution?
Furthermore, you should understand that morphological homologies (such as vestigial structures) and molecular comparisons (DNA nucleotide and protein amino acid sequences) provide evidence for common ancestry and evolution. No specific exclusion statements are provided for this topic.
Can you do these?
- I can describe the geographical, geological, physical, biochemical, and mathematical data that provide evidence for evolution.
- I can explain how fossils are dated and how morphological homologies, including vestigial structures, provide evidence of common ancestry.
How is Evidence of Evolution tested on the exam?
This topic is assessed with a focus on the skill of 'Representing and Describing Data' (Skill 4.B). You may be required to describe data from a table or graph, which includes identifying specific data points, describing trends and patterns in the data, and describing relationships between variables. The primary command words associated with the learning objectives are 'Describe' and 'Explain'.
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Evidence of Evolution: common questions
What do you need to know about Evidence of Evolution for AP Biology?
You are expected to understand the various types of data that support evolution, including geographical, geological, physical, biochemical, and mathematical evidence. You must know that fossils can be dated using the age of rocks, isotope decay rates (e.g., carbon-14), and geographical data.
How is Evidence of Evolution tested on the AP Biology exam?
This topic is assessed with a focus on the skill of 'Representing and Describing Data' (Skill 4.B). You may be required to describe data from a table or graph, which includes identifying specific data points, describing trends and patterns in the data, and describing relationships between variables.
How do I know I have mastered Evidence of Evolution?
Check you can do each of these: describe the geographical, geological, physical, biochemical, and mathematical data that provide evidence for evolution; explain how fossils are dated and how morphological homologies, including vestigial structures, provide evidence of common ancestry.
Where does Evidence of Evolution fit in AP Biology?
Evidence of Evolution is topic 7.6 in Unit 7: Natural Selection of AP Biology.
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