The Evidence for Evolution

In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on a transformative voyage to the Galapagos Islands, where he observed finches with varying beak shapes. These observations led to his theory of evolution by natural selection, suggesting that organisms better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, Darwin's hypothesis evolved into a scientific theory supported by fossil, embryological, anatomical, and genetic evidence. Fossils reveal evolutionary changes over time, while embryological studies show similarities among species. Anatomical evidence includes vestigial, homologous, and analogous structures, and genetic evidence highlights DNA as a link between species. This comprehensive evidence supports the theory of evolution and helps scientists trace evolutionary history.

What was the primary observation that led Darwin to propose his theory of natural selection?

• The color of the finches' feathers

• The size of the islands

• The shape of the finches' beaks

• The height of the trees

Which type of evidence involves comparing fossils from different time periods?

• Genetic evidence

• Anatomical evidence

• Fossil evidence

• Embryological evidence

What do vestigial structures indicate about an organism's evolutionary history?

• They were useful to ancestors

• They have no evolutionary significance

• They are essential for survival

• They are unique to each species

How do homologous structures provide evidence for evolution?

• They are identical in all species

• They have the same function and origin

• They are unrelated to evolutionary history

• They show different functions but similar origins

What does a high similarity in DNA sequences between two species suggest?

• They evolved in the same environment

• They are not related

• They share a recent common ancestor

• They have different evolutionary paths