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I. Patterns of Macroevolution A. Speciation 1. Reproductive isolation 2. Genetic divergence B. Adaptive Radiation C. The Tempo and Mode of Macroevolution 1. Gradualism 2. Punctuated equilibrium D. Extinctions and Mass Extinctions E. Species Selection II. Misconceptions about Evolution A. The Nature of Selection 1. Misconception: Bigger is better 2. Misconception: Newer is better 3. Misconception: Natural selection always works 4. Misconception: There is an inevitable direction in evolution B. Structure, Function, and Evolution 1. Misconception: Natural selection always produces perfect structures 2. Misconception: All structures are adaptive 3. Misconception: Current structures reflect initial adaptations III. The Study of the Fossil Record A. Relative Dating Methods 1. Stratigraphy 2. Other relative dating methods B. Chronometric Dating Methods 1. Carbon-14 dating 2. Potassium-argon dating 3. Other chronometric dating methods C. Reconstructing the Past 1. Taphonomy 2. Paleoecology 3. Identifying species IV. Evolution Before the Primates A. Perspectives on Geologic Time B. The Origin of Life C. The Paleozoic Era D. The Mesozoic Era V. Summary VI. Supplemental Readings Special Topic: Science Fiction and Orthogenesis |