The document discusses complex traits that have multiple interacting parts, such as eyes and blood clotting. It notes that opponents argue some traits are too complex to have evolved through small changes, but biologists have shown this is not true. Complex traits can evolve through natural selection accumulating small beneficial changes over time, and traits may have had different functions in the past and evolved to take on new roles.

1. Notes: Evolution of Complex Traits
(pg 8)

2. Notes: Evolution of Complex Traits
(pg 8)
• Complex Traits include structures or systems
with multiple interacting parts

3. Notes: Evolution of Complex Traits
(pg 8)
• Complex Traits include structures or systems
with multiple interacting parts
• Examples: Eyes, blood clotting, flagella

4. Notes: Evolution of Complex Traits
(pg 8)
• Complex Traits include structures or systems
with multiple interacting parts
• Examples: Eyes, blood clotting, flagella

5. • Opponents of evolution say that some traits
are “irreducibly complex” and could not have
evolved through small changes

6. • Opponents of evolution say that some traits
are “irreducibly complex” and could not have
evolved through small changes
• However, biologists have shown that this is
not true

7. Evolution can produce very complex traits
because:

8. Evolution can produce very complex traits
because:
1. Natural selection allows small beneficial
changes to accumulate over time

9. Evolution can produce very complex traits
because:
1. Natural selection allows small beneficial
changes to accumulate over time
Example: Eyes

10. Evolution can produce very complex traits
because:
1. Natural selection allows small beneficial
changes to accumulate over time
Example: Eyes
2. Traits may have had a different function in the
past

11. Evolution can produce very complex traits
because:
1. Natural selection allows small beneficial
changes to accumulate over time
Example: Eyes
2. Traits may have had a different function in the
past
Example: Lungs (for breathing) evolved from
swim bladders (for floatation)