Data

Copy and paste the text below. It is read-only. Select All

Evidence for evolution 1. Fossil Records 2.Biogeography 3. Comparative anatomy 4. Embryology 5. Molecular Biology Fossil Evidence of past life Fossil Records - if evolution occurs see a pattern of changes in fossils from older to younger sediments -the prediction is that we should see intermediates in the fossil record -EXAMPLES: whale limbs, horse toes Biogeography if evolution occurs, we would expect geographic distance to be relevant to what species are present while the environment should not be the only factor involved Comparative anatomy If evolution is present, see a lot of homology not analogy. Also may see things such as vestigial organs. Homology similarity of structures due to common ancestry Analogy similar function of structures without a close relationship Vestigial Organs Organs with no discernible function E.g. limbs on a snake, toes on a horse, limbs on whale. Evolutionary Anachronism ghost of evolution past E.g. Avocado pits Exaptations adaptations that formerly served a different function E.g. feathers on a bird Embryology - study of organismal development - more closely related organisms should share more of their development than more distantly related organisms e.g. all vertebrates have gill pouches at some time in development Molecular Biology - DNA - more closely related organisms should share more of their sequences of DNA e.g., chimps share more DNA with humans than with any other organism