How does geology provide evidence of evolution?

Answer 1

It isn't. Evolution can in principle be understood without ever referring to geology. Geology can help us understand the specifics of our natural history though. It can tell us about factors in the evolution of species, or it can show us how species were geographically distributed in the past. But geology is not required for evolution - nor is a knowledge of geology required for an understanding of evolution.

Answer 2

Geologic change affects biological evolution by producing selective pressures and physical barriers that force adaptations in response to the changing environment. For example, as a forested area, with its protected floor, slowly gives way to desert, with its exposed, erosion-prone surface, the populations that live there will adapt traits that help them survive in the new conditions. Similarly, as geologic uplift and the slow grind of tectonic activity produces mountain ranges and other physical barriers, once-intact populations are inevitably split up. Divergent populations always diversify over time because random mutation and natural selection act separately on each gene pool.

Answer 3

The continents of the earth were all joined at one time and animal distribution reflects this. Fossils are the direct result of geological processes. The deep time that it took for these geological process, well supported by the radiometric dating, is a form of evidence for evolution having enough time to allow species to arise.

Answer 4

In itself, it doesn't. However, geology can be used in helping assess the palaeontological evidence. Geology can be used to date a palaeontological find, or to reconstruct the geological environment of extinct species. Vice versa, palaeontological finds can help determine past geology. When we find a single species of plant bracketing an impassable water, for instance, we can reliably say that there must once have been a connection between the two shores.

Answer 5

Geology provides evidence that Earth is very old and constantly changing.