2. Evidence of Evolution
There is evidence of evolution in 5 major fields of science:
Paleontology: the study of prehistoric life
Biogeography: where living things are located
Embryology: the study of the embryonic development of organisms
Anatomy: the study of the structures of organisms
Biochemistry: the study of the chemical processes in organisms

3. Evidence in Paleontology
The fossil record reveals a history of the types of organisms that have lived on Earth (including those that are extinct) and the ages of those fossils
Fossils = remnants of animals (bones, footprints, feces, etc)
Transitional fossils have been found that link extinct species to current species, which helps scientists piece together evolutionary history
Ex. Archaeopteryx is the link between dinosaurs and birds

4. Evidence in Biogeography
Island species most closely resemble the nearest mainland species (not the species on similar islands on the other side of the ocean)
Populations can show variation on different islands (like Darwin saw in the Galapagos)
This points to divergent evolution patterns

5. Evidence in Embryology
The embryos of vertebrates are very similar in appearance early in development but may grow into different structures in the adult form.
This suggests common ancestry among vertebrates
Embryo Image: © Lunar Caustic 2007:
This site is AWESOME at showing how indistinguishable embryos can be! My students always love this! Check it out here:

7. Evidence in Anatomy
Homologous Structures - similar characteristics resulting from common ancestry.
Same structure, different function
Result of divergent evolution
The greater the numbers of shared structures between two species, the more closely the species are related.
Ex. Humans, Bats, Frogs, Cats, Whales and other organisms all share the same forearm structure suggesting common ancestry

9. Evidence in Anatomy
Vestigial Organs - structures with little or no function to the organism.
Remnants of structures that had important functions in ancestors of the species.
Evidence of divergent evolution
Ex. Ostrich’s have wings but can’t fly
Pause and Play: Cool 4-minute video about human vestigial organs:

11. Evidence in Anatomy
Analogous structures: Evolved similar structures due to living in similar environments, not due to ancestral relatedness
Different structure, Same function
Evidence of convergent evolution

12. Evidence in Biochemistry
DNA and Proteins: Comparing similarities in the DNA and A.A. sequences in different species to find common ancestry
Two closely-related organisms will have similar DNA sequences.
Ex. Hippopotamus vs. Humpback whale