Evidence for Evolution

Fossils: preserved remains of an organism which form when bodies of organisms become trapped in sediments and become rock. The most common are shells, bones, and teeth.

Molecular and Biochemical: Non-coding genes or “junk DNA”. 98% of DNA is not in use (thought to be used by ancestors). Humans and chimps share 98% of their DNA. Doesn’t mean we are relayed, but we have a common ancestor.

Anatomical features

Homologous Features: Structures that serve the same purpose/different purpose in multiple organisms. They have been adapted to take on different functions.

analogous features: Structures that are similar in function but not in origin. Due to CONVERGENT EVOLUTION, when two distinct lineages evolve similar characteristics independently of one another often because they faced the same pressures.

Vestigial features: Structures that have no use for the organism. Dewclaws in dogs, Appendix in humans.

embryonic development: embryos of all vertebrates have short bony tails. All vertebrate embryos have pouches that develop into gills for fish and ears and throats for humans + other land organisms.

Coevolution: one species evolves in response to another species. Predator-prey, and competitive species.