AP Biology · Unit 7: Natural Selection
7.8 Continuing Evolution
In short
You must understand that evolution is an ongoing process occurring in all living organisms, not just a historical event. The expected depth requires you to know and apply specific contemporary examples of evolution. These include genomic changes over time, continuous changes documented in the fossil record, the evolution of resistance (such as to antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, or chemotherapy drugs), and the evolution of pathogens that cause emergent diseases.
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Can you do these?
- I can provide examples of ongoing evolution, such as genomic changes, continuous fossil record changes, resistance to drugs or chemicals, and emergent diseases.
How is Continuing Evolution tested on the exam?
The suggested skill for this topic is 3.D (Questions and Methods), which involves proposing a new investigation based on an evaluation of experimental design or evidence. You may be assessed on your ability to analyze experimental setups or data related to ongoing evolution (e.g., testing for antibiotic or pesticide resistance) and propose follow-up investigations. The command word 'Explain' requires you to articulate how specific examples (like emergent diseases or drug resistance) demonstrate that evolution is an ongoing process.
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Continuing Evolution: common questions
What do you need to know about Continuing Evolution for AP Biology?
You must understand that evolution is an ongoing process occurring in all living organisms, not just a historical event. The expected depth requires you to know and apply specific contemporary examples of evolution. These include genomic changes over time, continuous changes documented in the fossil record, the evolution of resistance (such as to antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, or chemotherapy drugs), and the evolution of pathogens that cause emergent diseases.
How is Continuing Evolution tested on the AP Biology exam?
The suggested skill for this topic is 3.D (Questions and Methods), which involves proposing a new investigation based on an evaluation of experimental design or evidence. You may be assessed on your ability to analyze experimental setups or data related to ongoing evolution (e.g., testing for antibiotic or pesticide resistance) and propose follow-up investigations.
How do I know I have mastered Continuing Evolution?
Check you can do each of these: provide examples of ongoing evolution, such as genomic changes, continuous fossil record changes, resistance to drugs or chemicals, and emergent diseases.
Where does Continuing Evolution fit in AP Biology?
Continuing Evolution is topic 7.8 in Unit 7: Natural Selection of AP Biology.
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