Evidence for Evolution 7A Analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and developmental.
Common Ancestry
Fossils
Newest or youngest fossils Fossil Record Newest or youngest fossils Oldest fossils
Biogeography
Homologous Structures
Vestigial Structures
Molecular Homologies
Developmental Homology
Phylogenetic Tree
Cladogram
Common Ancestry Group of related species all come from (with some differences) the same ancestor Ex: tigers and lions came from saber tooth cat
Fossils Preserved remains of ancient organisms Ex: dinosaur fossils
Fossil Record How species have evolved from their ancestors Ex: horse fossil record
Biogeography Study or where species now live and where they & their ancestors used to live
Homologous Structures Structures that show similarities between groups or organisms
Vestigial organs Structures that still exist in animal but no longer have any use Ex: Hind leg bones on whales Ex: Caudal vertebrae in humans (tail)
Molecular Homologies Comparing DNA & protein structures
Developmental Homology Comparing similar structures during development of embryos