EVIDENCES OF EVOLUTION

Biochemistry

The basic similarity of all living things suggests that they evolved from a single common ancestor.

Similar Genes

If evolution is true then we might also expect that closely related organisms will be more similar to one another than more distantly related organisms.

Biochemistry

The basic similarity of all living things suggests that they evolved from a single common ancestor.

Similar Genes

If evolution is true then we might also expect that closely related organisms will be more similar to one another than more distantly related organisms.

Comparative Anatomy

Similar comparisons can be made based on anatomical evidence.

Comparative Anatomy (HOMOLOGY)

The pentadactyl limb is ancestral to all vertebrates… but modified for different uses

Comparative Anatomy (Vestigial Structures)

As evolution progresses, some structures get side-lined as they are not longer of use.

Coccyx

is a much reduced version of an ancestral tail, which was formerly adapted to aid balance and climbing.

Embryological evidence

Based on this evidence, the embryonic stages of some closely related organisms are similar, especially among those with backbone.

Pharyngeal slits

found on the sides of the throat of some organisms and are present during their embryonic stage.

Molecular Evidence

the study of molecular basis of genes and gene expression, is used as an evidence in evolution. It supports the idea that related organism have more similarities in their DNA and proteins.

amino acid sequencing

A method that is used to compare proteins.

Fossil Record

are the remains of organisms that have been preserved in different ways. Once an organism dies, its body undergoes decay. The hard parts of the body such as bones, teeth and shells can be preserved as fossils.

Petrification

this happens when the minerals in the ground water are absorbed by the tissues of the dead organisms, causing the organism to harden as a rock.

Paleontologist

is a scientist who studies fossils.

Transitional fossils

Many fossils show a clear transition from one species, or group, to another.

Archaeopteryx

was found in Germany in 1861. It share many characteristics with both dinosaurs and birds.

Geography

Geographic spread of organisms also tells of their past evolution.

Antibiotic resistance

The antibiotic acts as an environmental pressure. It weeds out those bacteria with low resistance and only those with high resistance survive to reproduce.