Evidence of Evolution Flashcards
4 types of evidence of evolution
Fossil record, embryology, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology
Fossil record
Sedimentary rock contains fossils and provides a fossil record of all living things on earth
Relates to Evolution (fossil)
The age of the fossils can be approximated by the depth. similar species alive today are closer to the surface and found in deeper rock are older
Embryology
The study of early pre-birth stages of an organisms development
Relates to evolution (embryo)
The embryo’s of different organisms exhibit similar stages of embryonic development . Eg. paired poaches can turn into gills or throat and ears
Comparative anatomy
Comparing the anontomy of different species
Relates to Evolution (anatomy)
Shows us that certain organisms could have originated from a common ancestor
Homologous
Different functions but similar anatomies. Eg. Forearm of a horse and a human
Analogous
Similar functions different anatomies. Eg. wing of a bat and wing of an insect
Vestigal
Anatomical structures that were once importatnt to ancestors, but are no longer used in the same way. Eg. human appendix
Molecular Biology
Compares DNA of different organisms its possible to document genetic change over time.
Relates to Evolution (Bio)
The genetic code for protein shows that all life once shared a common ancestor.
Biogeography
The study of the past and present geographical distribution of organisms. Darwin hypothesized that species evolve in one location and then spread out to other regions.
