Chapter 23, Problem 45A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About the evidence that supports evolution

Introduction:

Darwin’s book ‘On the Origin of Species’ revealed how natural selection would function. The books have provided evidence that our world has undergone an evolution. Darwin's theory of natural selection is part of the larger evolution theory. The evolution theory claims that all of Earth's species have descended from a common ancestor.

Explanation of Solution

The evidence that support evolution are-

• The fossil record-Fossils provide some of the most significant evidence of evolutionary change. Fossils have a record of the long-lived creatures. They demonstrate the ancient species share similarities with now-living animals on Earth. The fossil record is an important source of information for the determination of organism ancestry and evolution patterns.
• Homologous structures − Evolution predicts that the body parts of an organism are more likely to modify ancestral body parts than to be entirely new features. For example, bird's wings and reptile limbs are similar in shape and construction which suggests that they were inherited from a common ancestor.
• Vestigial structures − These are the structures that constitute the reduced forms of functional structures that organisms cannot use. Evolutionary theory predicts that ancestor features that no longer have a role for that species will grow smaller over the course of time until they are lost. Many birds, for example, have wings adapted for flight. Kiwis have very tiny wings which cannot be used to fly. The kiwi wing is a vestigial structure.

Conclusion

Therefore, the fossil records, homologous structures, and vestigial structures are evidence of evolution.