answersLogoWhite

0

Virtually all species can be arranged into a nested hierarchy highly evocative of common ancestry. That was probably the pivotal piece of evidence launching the theory of evolution as the foundational science of Biology.

There is also the fossil record which shows us that single celled organisms populated earth's oceans billions of years before the first multicellular organisms appeared. Multicellular organisms themselves dwelled solely in marine environments hundreds of millions of years before the first terrestrial forms gained ground. Fossils of plants and insects are common before any known terrestrial vertebrates. The first of these bear uncanny resemblance to sarcopterygian lungfish of the Devonian. The fossil evidence for evolution continues to mount from there--dinosaurs and birds dominating the mesozoic, mammals and flowering plants running rampant in the cenozoic.

In addition to the nested hierarchy and the fossil record there is substantial evidence from molecular biology in support of evolution. DNA sequences in eukaryotes accrue mutations at varying rates that help establish genetic clocks timing diversification events between species.

Embryological development is another key piece of evidence indicating common ancestry between species. There are numerous other substantial and significant pieces of evidence, but this small handful is a good start.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Biology

Why is biochemical evidence of evolution considered to be indirect?

Biochemical evidence of evolution is considered indirect because it does not provide direct evidence of specific evolutionary events or transitions in the fossil record. Instead, it demonstrates similarities in molecular structures or sequences across different species, which support the idea of a common ancestor but do not directly show the process of evolution occurring.


Why is biochemical evidence of evolution considered to be ibdirect?

Biochemical evidence of evolution is considered indirect because it does not provide direct observation of evolutionary changes happening over time. Instead, it relies on comparing similarities and differences in biochemistry, such as DNA sequences or protein structures, to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms.


What kind of evidence from evolution best supports all the others?

The evidence from the fossil record is considered the strongest support for other forms of evidence in evolution. Fossils provide a physical record of past organisms, showing changes over time and the relationships between different species. This evidence complements genetic, anatomical, and embryological evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes.


Why was evolution considered a theory?

Evolution is considered a scientific theory because it is a well-supported explanation of how species change over time through natural selection. In science, a theory is an explanation that has been rigorously tested, supported by evidence, and can make accurate predictions about the natural world. Evolution meets these criteria, hence it is considered a solid scientific theory.


Why are vestigal sturctures considered critical evidence of evolution?

Vestigial structures are considered critical evidence of evolution because they are remnants of organs or structures that have lost their original function through the process of evolution. These structures provide insights into an organism's evolutionary history and support the idea that species have changed over time. The presence of vestigial structures suggests that organisms have inherited traits from their ancestors, even if those traits are no longer useful.

Related Questions

What biological molecules that are considered evidence for evolution include?

Biological molecules are considered evidence for evolution include a. DNA b. amino acids c. porteins d. all of the above Answer: D. All of the above


Biological molecules that are considered evidence for evolution include?

Go to google and not to answer.com


Why is biochemical evidence of evolution considered to be indirect?

Biochemical evidence of evolution is considered indirect because it does not provide direct evidence of specific evolutionary events or transitions in the fossil record. Instead, it demonstrates similarities in molecular structures or sequences across different species, which support the idea of a common ancestor but do not directly show the process of evolution occurring.


How is fossil evidence of evolution dissproved?

Fossil evidence of evolution is not typically disproved, as fossils are considered crucial pieces of evidence in supporting the theory of evolution. However, the interpretation of fossil evidence can sometimes be open to debate or revision based on new discoveries or scientific understanding. Overall, the accumulation of diverse fossil evidence provides strong support for the concept of evolution and the relatedness of different species.


Why is biochemical evidence of evolution considered to be ibdirect?

Biochemical evidence of evolution is considered indirect because it does not provide direct observation of evolutionary changes happening over time. Instead, it relies on comparing similarities and differences in biochemistry, such as DNA sequences or protein structures, to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms.


Why is evolution considered a theory and not a hypothesis or a law?

In science, a hypothesis and a theory differs in that a hypothesis is a conjecture based on empirical observation or theoretical derivation yet unproven or by any experimental work, and that a theory is a hypothesis that has been rigorously tested by many researchers and supported by strong evidence. Evolution is a theory that has been repeatedly tested, supported by overwhelming evidence, and can be used to explain natural phenomenon very well.


Homology is evidence of what?

Evolution


Why can't intelligence be evidence of evolution?

Intelligence is merely a property of some lifeforms. It has no direct relationship to evolution and can say nothing either way, although the apparent development of intelligence combined with otehr mechanisms (e.g. suitability, usefulness) may be considered evidence.


What kind of evidence from evolution best supports all the others?

The evidence from the fossil record is considered the strongest support for other forms of evidence in evolution. Fossils provide a physical record of past organisms, showing changes over time and the relationships between different species. This evidence complements genetic, anatomical, and embryological evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes.


What is the study of vertebrate forelimbs is related to what evidence?

In evolution the study of vertebrate forelimbs is related to the anatomical evidence from homology.


Why was evolution considered a theory?

Evolution is considered a scientific theory because it is a well-supported explanation of how species change over time through natural selection. In science, a theory is an explanation that has been rigorously tested, supported by evidence, and can make accurate predictions about the natural world. Evolution meets these criteria, hence it is considered a solid scientific theory.


In evolution the study of vertebrate forelimbs is related to evidence?

In evolution the study of vertebrate forelimbs is related to the anatomical evidence from homology.