Evidence of Evolution Video Lecture | Science for ACT

Ans. The evidence of evolution can be seen through various scientific disciplines, including paleontology, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology, and biogeography. Fossil records show the gradual changes in organisms over time, providing evidence for the existence of different species in the past. Comparative anatomy highlights similarities in the structure of different organisms, indicating a common ancestor. Embryology reveals similarities in the development of different species, suggesting a shared evolutionary history. Molecular biology studies DNA sequences, providing evidence of genetic similarities and differences among species. Biogeography studies the distribution of species across different geographical regions, supporting the concept of evolution.

Ans. The fossil record is one of the strongest pieces of evidence for evolution. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. By studying fossils, scientists can observe the gradual changes in species over time. The fossil record shows a progression of simpler organisms in older layers, gradually leading to more complex organisms in more recent layers. This pattern supports the idea that new species have emerged over time and that older species have become extinct. Additionally, the discovery of transitional fossils, which exhibit characteristics of both ancestral and descendant species, further supports the concept of evolution.

Ans. Comparative anatomy is the study of similarities and differences in the structure of different organisms. It provides evidence for evolution by highlighting homologous structures, which are structures that have a similar origin but may have different functions in different organisms. For example, the forelimbs of mammals (such as humans, bats, and whales) have a similar bone structure, despite serving different functions. This suggests that these organisms share a common ancestor with a similar forelimb structure. By comparing the anatomy of different species, scientists can identify these homologous structures and infer evolutionary relationships.

Ans. Embryology is the study of the development of embryos. It provides evidence for evolution by revealing similarities in the early stages of development among different species. For example, during early embryonic development, human embryos exhibit features (such as gill slits and a tail) that are similar to those found in fish embryos. These similarities suggest a shared evolutionary history and imply that humans and fish share a common ancestor. By comparing the embryonic development of different species, scientists can identify these similarities and infer evolutionary relationships.

Ans. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species across different geographical regions. It provides evidence for evolution by highlighting patterns of species distribution that align with evolutionary history. For example, the presence of similar species on different continents separated by vast oceans (such as marsupials in Australia and placental mammals in other parts of the world) suggests that these species evolved from a common ancestor before the continents drifted apart. By studying the geographical distribution of species, scientists can identify these patterns and infer evolutionary relationships.