Evidence for evolution
Several independent lines point to common ancestry: fossils, homologous structures (the same bones used differently), DNA and protein similarity, and observed evolution such as antibiotic resistance.
Last updated
Analogy
Several witnesses telling the same story.
In practice
The same bones appear in a human arm, a bat wing and a whale flipper, showing a shared ancestor.
Practice
Flashcards
- What are homologous structures?Body parts with a common ancestry but different functions, such as a human arm and a bat wing.
Interview questions
- Describe the evidence that supports evolution from a common ancestor.
- Fossil record
- Homologous structures
- DNA and protein similarity
- Observed evolution
Questions people ask
What are vestigial structures?
Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost most or all of their original function, such as the pelvis bones in whales or the human tailbone. They make sense as leftovers from ancestors in which the structure was useful, and are evidence of common ancestry.
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is when unrelated species evolve similar features because they face similar challenges. Sharks and dolphins both have streamlined bodies and fins, though a shark is a fish and a dolphin is a mammal. The similar structures are called analogous, not homologous.