Animal diversity and evolution
Produce an essay (1500 words) discussing the main scientific theories on the origins of life and, secondly, explain the main principles of evolution and speciation.
Essay in two parts. Part 1 – approx 750 words
Demonstrate an understanding of the main scientific theories of the origins of life, from early understanding to modern-day current theories. You should clearly show an understanding of the term ‘biogenesis’ and ‘abiogenesis’ along with discussing the main scientific milestones that helped us develop our understanding of how life began on this planet. Within part 1, you should also discuss the ‘metabolism first’ and ‘genetic first’ concepts. This part should be finished with a brief but clear summary of our current most supported theories.
Part2 (approx 750 words)
Explain the main principles of evolution and speciation, demonstrating an understanding of their central concepts in terms of the diversification of life. Include the development of the theories of evolution by natural selection with outlining the roles of Charles Lyell, James Hutton, Jean Baptiste Lamarck and Alfred Russel Wallace. You should also include a case study to illustrate the concepts of selection, adaption and speciation and discuss the role of chance. This section should end with a concise and clear summary of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
No direct quotes from literature
Sources preferably are from the internet or easily accessible books/ journal
Any images or diagrams used must be explicitly referenced in the text and be correctly cited.