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Evolution in New York State's Earth Science Curriculum |
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Key Idea 1:
The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective.
People have observed the stars for thousands of years, using them to find direction, note the passage of time, and to express their values and traditions. As our technology has progressed, so has understanding of celestial objects and events.
Theories of the universe have developed over many centuries. Although to a casual observer celestial bodies appeared to orbit a stationary Earth, scientific discoveries led us to the understanding that Earth is one planet that orbits the Sun, a typical star in a vast and ancient universe. We now infer an origin and an age and evolution of the universe, as we speculate about its future.
As we look at Earth, we find clues to its origin and how it has changed through nearly five billion years, as well as the evolution of life on Earth.
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Major Understandings:
1.2h The evolution of life caused dramatic changes in the composition of Earth's atmosphere. Free oxygen did not form in the atmosphere until oxygen-producing organisms evolved.
1.2i The pattern of evolution of life-forms on Earth is at least partially preserved in the rock record.
- Fossil evidence indicates that a wide variety of life-forms has existed in the past and that most of these forms have become extinct.
- Human existence has been very brief compared to the expanse of geologic time.
2.1o Plate motions have resulted in global changes in geography, climate, and the patterns of organic evolution.
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