Evolutionary Biology: Origin of Life

Study Notes

Life on earth originated in water, and simple life forms changed over time to adapt to their surroundings
Evolution is a slow, progressive, irreversible change that has resulted in complex plants and animals from simpler organisms over millions of years
The term "evolution" refers to the process of continuous change, which applies to living organisms, planets, stars, and even the earth's topography

Various theories have been proposed to explain the origin of life on earth
One of the theories is the Theory of Special Creation, which suggests that life was created by a divine being or superior power

Evolution can be defined as a slow and progressive change resulting in complexity from simple and lower organisms
The doctrine of organic evolution states that present-day life forms with complex organization have arisen by gradual changes from simple forms that lived in the past
Evolution is supported by various types of evidence, including anatomical, paleontological, embryological, morphological, and biochemical evidence

Iamarekisen, Darwinism, and Neo-Darwinism are different theories of evolution
These theories propose different mechanisms for the evolution of life on earth, such as natural selection and genetic variation

The position of humans in the animal kingdom is closely related to other primates, such as monkeys and apes
There are differences between new world monkeys and old world monkeys, as well as between apes and humans
The evolution of modern humans began from anthropoid ancestors, and has involved a series of changes over millions of years

Biomolecules are the basic and essential molecules of life, forming the building block and molecular basis of life.
They vary in size from simple molecules like carbon dioxide and water to macromolecules like proteins.
Biomolecules can be classified into two kinds: organic compounds and inorganic compounds.

Carbohydrates are essential biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the ratio of 2:1.
The general formula of carbohydrates is $C_n(H_2O)_m$.
Carbohydrates are also known as saccharides (Gr.saccharon = sugar).
They are aldehyde and ketone derivatives of polyhydroxy alcohol.
Carbohydrates can be classified into two types:
- Aldoses: Containing an aldehyde group (-CHO) in the terminal position.
- Ketoses: Containing a ketone group (=C=O) in the subterminal position.

The collection of biomolecules in the cell is called the cellular pool.
A cell possesses around 5000 types of chemicals, which carry out approximately 3000 types of reactions.