Evidence for Evolution

• Fossil Record
  • Shows Change
    • Simple –> Complex
    • Aquatic –> Terrestrial
  • Major “groups” evolving to others (fossils showing mid-change creatures)
    • Fish –> Amphibians
    • Reptiles –> Birds
• Comparative Anatomy (Homologous Structures)
  • Vertebrate forelimbs (pentadactyl limb – penta: five, dactyl: finger)
  • Similar pattern implies this structure has been inherited through a common ancestry in amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
• Biochemistry
  • The longer the time since there was a common ancestor, the more mutation (differences in the base sequence/amino acid sequence) have accumulated.
• Biogeography
  • Ratites
    • Common ancestor across Gondwana
    • When Gondwana separated, the isolated populations evolved into different species (emu, ostrich, rhea, kiwi, cassowary)

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