1. Evidence of Evolution
Evolution is a continuous process of gradual modifications or changes in organisms.
Patterns of evolution can be detected by viewing species in relation to one another.
Evidence of evolution can be found through different fields of science.

2. Fossil Evidence
Bones, Molds, Casts, Amber

3. Fossil Record
Fossils in the lower layers were present on earth before fossils in the upper layers.
Law of superposition.
Descent with modification (Darwin’s first law of evolution).
Fossils show similarities and differences.

4. Biogeography
Involves the mapping and study of the patterns of distribution of fossils and living organisms within and between the world's regions.

5. Embryological Development
Compares the similarities of developing vertebrate embryos indicating common ancestry.

6. Homologous and Analogous Structures
Modified structure that is seen among different groups of descendents
Provide strong evolutionary relationships
Shows that several different species have one common ancestor
Also known as comparative anatomy

7. Comparative Anatomy
Wings are analogous, though bones are homologous

8. Homologous Structures
Differences – appearance and function
Similarities – skeletal structure, derived from same embryological development
Forelimbs of the following organisms are homologous because they have the same internal skeletal structure even though they look different externally and have different functions.

9. Analogous Structures Similarities – function and appearance
Differences – embryological development and internal structure
Butterfly wings and bird wings are analogous because they have the same function and appearance even though they have a different internal structure and develop differently.

10. Vestigial Structures (useless feature)
Body structure that is greatly reduced in function that may have been useful to an ancestor.
Ex: human appendix, whale femur, coccyx ear muscles, wisdom teeth

11. Biochemistry (Similarities in Macromolecules)
Scientists can compare DNA sequences, amino acids sequences or proteins to view similarities and differences among organisms.
The amino acid sequence in human hemoglobin and gorilla hemoglobin differ by one amino acid, while human and frog hemoglobin differs by 67 amino acids.

12. Mechanisms/Patterns of Evolution

13. Mechanisms/Patterns of Evolution
Divergent Evolution
-occurs when isolated populations of a species evolve independently
Ex: Different food available in different habitats (Galapagos Finches)
-Eventually, separated populations will become so different they can no longer
interbreed (results in new species)

14. Mechanisms/Patterns of Evolution
Convergent Evolution
-When different species with different ancestors develop similar characteristics
-Environment selects similar phenotypes
-Ex: Sharks and porpoises (fish vs. mammal) develop streamlined bodies and fins (analogous structures)

15. Mechanisms/Patterns of Evolution
Coevolution - two or more species evolve in response to each other
Flowers & pollinators