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Today, we have one additional tool not
available to Darwin: molecular evidence. Surprisingly, molecular differences between
species do not necessarily correlate with differences in their appearance. Watch Evolution
Show Two video segment "Genetic Toolkit," then read "Animal Body Plans: Homeobox Genes" (pdf) and think about these
questions:
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What is the significance for evolution of the
Drosophila's set of eight homeobox
genes that determine the embryo's development? |
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How does the discovery of a genetic
toolkit that determines segmentation relate to the Cambrian explosion? |
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Genetic
Toolkit
View in:
QuickTime | RealPlayer |
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Since the discovery of the structure of DNA, a
molecular revolution has taken place. Intense investigation by molecular biologists has
uncovered new genetic links between very diverse animal species, providing new evidence of
common ancestry.
For a summary of key information on molecular evidence, see "New
Evidence from Molecular Biology" at the National Academy of Sciences Web site.
To learn how molecular evidence can be compared with anatomical evidence
to describe relationships between organisms, do the In-depth Investigation: Molecular
Connections activity from Unit 3 of the Evolution Teacher's Guide. Unit 3 pdf file | Resources for this activity
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