evidence for evolution

homologous structures

similar structure, but different function

analogous structures

similar function, but different structures; NOT evidence for evolution

ex. of analogous structures

bird and insect wings

vestigial structures

anatomical remnants that were important in the organism’s ancestors, but are no longer used in the same way

ex. of vestigial structure

thumbs in whales, the coccyx in humans

ex. of homologous structures

human arms and bird wings

fossil record

show how the animal has evolved physically

comparative anatomy

similar body structures indicate common ancestors

comparative molecular biology (DNA)

similarity in dna indicate common ancestor

similar embryology

comparing embryos in early development, they have similar structures, indicates common ancestor

biogeography

species that are geographically closer together have similar dna