The tree of life and common origin
It was over a century and a half ago that Charles Darwin published his revolutionary book “On the Origin of Species”. However, the genetic evidence that substantiate his theory of evolution was revealed many decades later. Nowadays, by virtue of their genetic analysis capabilities, scientists can calculate the genetic proximity between species and thereby place them on the evolutionary “tree of life”. The following video depicts how life began on Earth and leads us through a journey from the first cells to human beings, all based on our current genetic knowledge.
Play Video
What is the source of differences between different organisms?
The RNA sequence.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
The behaviour of organisms.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
The structure or proteins.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
The DNA sequence.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Every new trait that developed in organisms (for example, the development of eyes):
Develops once and is then transferred to other organisms.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Occurs only once in evolution.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Can occur more than once throughout evolution.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Must occur more than once throughout evolution.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
The mass extinction of the dinosaurs over 65 million years ago:
Was the largest mass extinction event in the history of earth (in terms of percentage of extinct species).
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Allowed the development of new species.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Was the only mass extinction event on earth.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Annihilated all the species of dinosaurs.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
All the branches of “the tree of life” (phylogenetic tree):
Branch in different locations and have different lengths.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Start at the same location but have different lengths.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Start at the same location and have the same length
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
Branch in different locations and have the same length.
Well Done! Partial Correct Answer Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
The Tree of Life and Common Origin – An Interactive Video
Play VideoActivity Overview
In this video the pupils will learn about the concepts of evolution and “The Tree of Life”. The video clearly depicts changes in organisms throughout evolution. The questions are of intermediate-difficult level and require implementation of previous knowledge or group discussions.
Modern genetics, Life, Molecules, Cells, bacteria, Algae, Multicellular organisms, Sensory organs, Biodiversity, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, mammals
Knowledge building
Additional content that may interest you
Who Needs Dads?
Are males actually needed for reproduction? Possibly not, but it is certainly easier with them.
Science’s Fight for Life
A measles outbreak due to anti-vaxxer activity, questionable therapists showcased on TV and politicians who do not hesitate to lie and twist facts to serve financial interests. These are only some of the challenges that science had to face in 2018. Is this a lost war?
Evolution by Hurricanes
The answer is blowing in the wind: For the first time, researchers have shown how hurricanes can affect the evolution of lizards –simply by casting those less capable of withstanding the powerful winds into the sea.