Evolution simply refers to a change over time – particularly the change of heritable characteristics of a species over generations. Whether evolution actually happened or not has been a controversial debate issue for centuries. Although we cannot decisively say that evolution is the correct explanation for the change in living things over time, there is evidence that supports the evolution theory. Today, we will look at the evidence of evolution including fossil records, selective breeding, speciation, and anatomy.
Fossil Records
When it comes to discovering what an ancestor looked like, fossil records are an integral piece of evidence. Although preserved remains such as body fossils would be direct evidence of the form of ancestors, most fossil records are traces such as footprints and tooth marks. The location of fossils in rock layers can provide evidence to determine the age of the fossils. Diverse organisms are found in different rocks of particular ages, which points out that there is a sequence of development. The chronological order of fossils indicates that new species evolved due to changes in ancestral species.
Selective Breeding
Selective breeding is a form of non-natural breeding in which species are bred to produce desired traits. For instance, hunting dogs such as beagles were bred to be smaller in size so that they could go into foxholes. Racing dogs were bred to be fast, and toy dogs were bred to become smaller. Selective breeding is an evidence of evolution since targeted breeds display variation of a trait in a short period of time.
Speciation
During speciation, two related populations divide into two or more separate species that cannot interbreed and produce offspring. Evolution occurs due to speciation because as species are geographically separated, they will show variation. If species are separated distantly, the species will show more variations; however, when the species are separated relatively closely, they will show less variation. Variation will result in genetic divergence, which will further lead to a decrease in genetic compatibility.
Anatomy
When the anatomy of different species shows similar features, it implies that the two species share a common ancestor. The more similar the structures are between species, the more closely related they are likely to be. Along with the example of homologous bones in humans, dogs, birds, and whales, another example of homologous structures is the pentadactyl limb. The arrangement of the homologous bone is similar in mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and even birds.
Works Cited
Steve. “Is Evolution Rational?” Kingdomology, kingdomology.org/video-steve-hinton-sunday-night-discussions/is-evolution-rational/.
Lamb, Robert. “How Incomplete Is the Fossil Record?” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 28 June 2018, science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/incomplete-fossil-record.htm.
“r/ShittyAnimalFacts – Selective Breeding in Dogs Has Led to a Dearth of Health Issues in Many Breeds Particularly Bulldogs.” Reddit, http://www.reddit.com/r/ShittyAnimalFacts/comments/7x6svr/selective_breeding_in_dogs_has_led_to_a_dearth_of/.
Shmoop Editorial Team. “Biology What’s So Special About Speciation? – Shmoop Biology.” Shmoop, Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008, http://www.shmoop.com/speciation/what-is-speciation.html.
“Comparative Anatomy.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 July 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_anatomy.
“Brent Cornell.” Intestinal Villi | BioNinja, ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-5-evolution-and-biodi/51-evidence-for-evolution/comparative-anatomy.html.
The Science Herald 
WΕ WIᏞL.? Thｅy each shouted thеy usually ran to the ƅedroom bickerіng about who
ɡets to go first.
LikeLike