Evidence of Evolution Worksheet Answer Key

Understanding the Evidence of Evolution

The theory of evolution is one of the most fundamental concepts in biology, and it is supported by a vast amount of evidence from various fields of science. This worksheet aims to help you understand the different types of evidence that support the theory of evolution.

Fossil Record

The fossil record provides a chronological record of the history of life on Earth. Fossils of ancient organisms have been found in rock layers, and the characteristics of these fossils have been used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of different groups of organisms.

• Question 1: What is the main evidence provided by the fossil record that supports the theory of evolution?
• Answer: The fossil record shows a clear pattern of gradual changes in the characteristics of organisms over time, with transitional fossils between different groups.

🦖 Note: Transitional fossils are fossils that exhibit characteristics of both the ancestral and descendant groups.

Comparative Anatomy

Comparative anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of different organisms. By comparing the anatomy of different organisms, scientists can identify similarities and differences that provide evidence for evolution.

• Question 2: What is the main evidence provided by comparative anatomy that supports the theory of evolution?
• Answer: Comparative anatomy shows that different organisms share similar structures and patterns of organization, indicating a common ancestry.

🔍 Note: Vestigial structures, such as the human appendix, are examples of anatomical features that have lost their original function through evolution.

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is the study of the structure and function of biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins. By comparing the molecular characteristics of different organisms, scientists can identify similarities and differences that provide evidence for evolution.

• Question 3: What is the main evidence provided by molecular biology that supports the theory of evolution?
• Answer: Molecular biology shows that different organisms share similar DNA and protein sequences, indicating a common ancestry.

🧬 Note: The similarity in DNA sequences between humans and chimpanzees is an example of molecular evidence for evolution.

Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of organisms. By studying the distribution of different organisms, scientists can identify patterns that provide evidence for evolution.

• Question 4: What is the main evidence provided by biogeography that supports the theory of evolution?
• Answer: Biogeography shows that different organisms are distributed in patterns that can be explained by their evolutionary history, such as the presence of similar species on different continents.

🌎 Note: The distribution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is an example of biogeographical evidence for evolution.

Observations of Evolutionary Change

Observations of evolutionary change provide direct evidence for the process of evolution.

• Question 5: What is an example of observed evolutionary change?
• Answer: The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of observed evolutionary change.

🧬 Note: The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of microevolution, which is the evolution of populations over a short period of time.

In conclusion, the evidence from various fields of science provides strong support for the theory of evolution. The fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, biogeography, and observations of evolutionary change all contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary history of life on Earth.