There are several pieces of evidence that support the theory of biological evolution. Some of the key pieces of evidence include:
1. Fossil evidence: Fossils provide a record of past life on Earth, showing the gradual changes in species over time. Transitional fossils, such as Archaeopteryx (a dinosaur with bird-like features) provide evidence of intermediate stages between different groups of organisms.
2. Comparative anatomy: Similarities in the anatomy of different species suggest a common ancestry. For example, the pentadactyl limb structure (five fingers or toes) is found in many different vertebrate species, indicating a shared evolutionary history.
3. Molecular evidence: DNA and protein sequences can be compared between different species to determine their genetic relatedness. Similarities in these sequences provide further evidence for common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.
4. Biogeography: The distribution of species around the world can be explained by evolution. For example, closely related species are often found in similar geographic regions, even if they are separated by oceans.
5. Experimental evidence: Observations of natural selection in action, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria, provide direct evidence for the process of evolution.
Overall, these various lines of evidence support the theory of biological evolution and provide a strong foundation for our understanding of how life has changed and diversified over time.
Unit 8 lesson 2 biological evolution evidence
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