Evidence of Evolution

Comparative Anatomy
(Similar Body Structures)

Fossil Record

Embryology
(Patterns of Early Development)

Molecular Biology (DNA)

#1 Fossil Record
! Scientists can

infer the structures of ancient organisms and compare them to current life

The link between lizards and birds.

Over the years very intriguing fossils, known as transition fossils, have shown links between modern and ancient organisms.

An artists interpretation of what archaeopteryx looked like The Fossil - Archaeopteryx

#2 Embryology (Patterns in Early Development)

Many different animals grow quite similarly during their early development.

Evidence for Evolution -- Comparative Embryology

The fact that embryos of different animals pass through a similar developmental stage is evidence that all vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) evolved from a common ancestor.

#3 Comparative Anatomy (Similar Body Structure)

FHow are these appendages similar?

Homologous Structures = body structures formed in similar ways that have different functions
*These show evolution from a common ancestor!

Not to be confused with

! Analogous

Structures
Organs with similar function, but different in structure and form. These do NOT show evolution from common ancestor

Another type of comparative anatomy

! Vestigial Structures
Organs or structures that lost their function in an organism and became reduced in size because it was more efficient (and therefore beneficial)

#4 Molecular Biology (DNA)

In the past few decades scientists started to compare the genetic makeup of organisms to determine evolutionary relationships. By comparing the sequence of nitrogen bases in the DNA of different species, scientists can infer how closely related two species are.

Evidence used to prove the Theory of Evolution:

Evidence from the present: FSimilarities in early development FSimilarities in body structure FSimilarities in DNA Evidence from the past FFossils With evidence, scientists can determine relationships between species both living and extinct

After evidences of evolutionary relationships are collected, scientists construct diagrams called branching trees
(also called cladograms)
Branch points indicate a common ancestor

http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/images/famtree_phyloh.jpg

The Tree of Life

Animals are the newcomers in the evolution of life on Earth. All living things share a common ancestor.

Plant Evolution
(yes they evolve too!)
Flowering plants

Cone-bearing plants Ferns and their relatives Mosses and their relatives

Green algae ancestor