Evidence for Evolution

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Evidence for evolution can be found in:

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- The fossil record - Biogeography - Comparative Anatomy and Embryology - DNA evidence

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The Fossil Record

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By comparing fossils from older rock layers with fossils from younger layers, scientists could document the fact that life on earth has changed over time.

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Transitional fossils

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Transitional fossils document various intermediate stages in the evolution of modern species from organisms that are now extinct.

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Biogeography

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Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. The Galapagos Islands are a key location for studying biogeography due to their unique species, such as the diverse finch populations with varying beak shapes adapted to different feeding habits.

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Convergent evolution

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The process where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.

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Homologous structures

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Structures that develop from the same embryonic tissues

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Evidence of common descent

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Homologous structures provide strong evidence that all four-limbed vertebrates have descended, with modifications, from common ancestors.

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Analogous Structures

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Structures that have similar form and function but different evolutionary origins.

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Vestigial organs

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Homologous structures that have lost their primary function.

They may have had a function in the past but are no longer necessary due to changes in the organism's environment or behavior.

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Similarities in Embryology

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The early stages, or embryos, of many animals with backbones are very similar.