Evolution and Its Evidence 1

Homology
Similarities between anatomical structures of
organisms provided a basis for evolution. The
term used for similar characteristics shared by
organisms is called homology.

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 A common ancestor may be present when
different animals share common traits. The
pair of arms of humans and the wings of bats
show homologous structures. They may come
in different shapes and sizes, but the overall
structure and function of these parts share
the same concept.

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DNA and Protein Sequences
The presence of homologous structures
also suggests the presence of
homologous DNA and protein sequences.
Using todays technology, the sequencing
of the DNA codes and similar proteins of
various organisms showed striking
similarities. The similarities in the DNA
sequences suggest the presence of a
common ancestor.
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Example
Consider six different organisms from different
groups of organisms that share similarities in
their DNA sequences. The homologous DNA
sequences prove that these organisms share a
common ancestor.

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Plate Tectonics and Fossil Records
There has been substantial geographical
evidence to support evolution.
The continental drift theory developed
by Alfred Wegener states that the movement
of plate tectonics shifted different continents,
isolating certain landmasses. This is how all
continents form from pieces of one giant
supercontinent called Pangaea.

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 The figure shows similar fossil records of different
continents which suggest that the continents were once
connected to each other. Common ancestors may have
existed and differentiation happened as these continents
drifted.

Certain conditions such as changes in the environment

and geographic locations are required for some
organisms to diversify or develop specialization. This is
called adaptive radiation. 7
Fossil Records
Fossil records provide a time frame in
understanding the evolution of life on Earth.
They show the transition in the form of
species. One example of this evolutionary
evidence pertains to birds as direct
descendants of certain dinosaurs. In 1861, a
reptile-bird link came about upon a discovery
of the fossils of an Archaeopteryx dinosaur. All
characteristics describe the dinosaur as a
reptile except one distinct characteristic the
feathers. 8
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 Embryology is the study of the development
of embryos. The overall conclusion in studying
comparative embryology showed that
vertebrate animals share a common ancestor
that is specialized in many different
environments.

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 The presence of gill slits in human embryonic
counterparts in the placental stage is an
evidence that we all converge from a common
ancestor.
Specialization takes place during
development; some lose their gill slits in place
of lungs while certain organisms like fish and
certain amphibians retain them.

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Artificial Selection/Agriculture
Artificial selection is the process where humans
domesticate wild living organisms for their benefit.
Consider the two very common tamed/cultivated
organisms dogs and wheat. Dogs and wolves come from
the same family, yet there are striking similarities and
differences. They are similar in terms of physical
attributes as well as their ways of communication, such as
body language and howling. However, their disposition
and temperament vary distinctly. This is because dogs
diverged from wolf-like canid and are just selectively bred
as a domesticated canid. But even before this selective
breeding occurred, the long association of dogs with
humans led them to be domesticated. 12
 Another example of artificial selection is wheat.
Wheat now grows in certain areas and climate. It was
one of the first domesticated food crops and a basic
staple food for civilizations in Europe, West Asia, and
North Africa for 8 000 years. It was believed to have
originated in southwestern Asia. Today, wheat
production is vastly produced in China, India, United
States, France, and Russia which shows that this crop
has adapted to various conditions of soil and climate.
In the long run, all of these changes and adaptations
in organisms are substantial proof that evolution
occurs.
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Explore!
Genetic variation is evident. The variation in
your community is a simple evidence of
understanding the basics of evolution. How
does this imply the existence of evolution?
Does this mean that some humans are more
evolved than others?

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Try it!
Compare and contrast the difference of a
prehistoric organism and modern day
organisms. What are the differences and
similarities among those organisms?

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What do you think?
Why is evolution still just a theory instead of
law or postulate?

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Key Points
There are several evidence of evolution: homology, DNA and protein sequences,
plate tectonics, fossil records, embryology, and artificial selection/agriculture.
Homology pertains to similar characteristics shared by organisms.
The similarities in the DNA sequences suggest the presence of a common ancestor.
The continental drift theory developed by Alfred Wegener states that the
movement of plate tectonics shifted different continents, isolating certain
landmasses. Common ancestors may have existed and differentiation happened as
these continents drifted.
Fossil records provide a time frame in understanding the evolution of life on Earth.
The overall conclusion in studying comparative embryology showed that vertebrate
animals share a common ancestor that is specialized in many different
environments.
Artificial selection is the process where humans domesticate wild living organisms
for their benefit. In the long run, all changes and adaptations in organisms are
substantial proof that evolution occurs.

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