Evolution

the theory of evolution states that all species share a common ancestor and gradually change over time due to the process of natural selection.

evolution is defined as the permanent change in the frequency of alleles in a population due to natural selection

convergent and divergent

A single species evolves into two or more different species through speciation.

Two or more different species are exposed to similar selection pressures. They develop different structures to perform a similar task. These are known as analogous structures.

the different species from divergent retain some characteristics of their common ancestor. These are known as homologous structures.

Fossil record Embryology Comparative anatomy DNA and protein similarities

Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms from a past geological age. Fossils allowed scientists to develop an understanding of extinct species. Through the use of carbon dating the age of fossils can be determined.

Embryology is the study of how an embryo develops. Vertebrates become wildly different as they age, but during the early stages of development they are quite similar. These similarities suggest that these organisms all had a common ancestor.

Homologous structures - Similar structures in different organisms - Evidence that the organisms diverged from a common ancestor Vestigial structures - Functionless structures found in organisms, which help provide evidence of evolution, as these structures were once useful to the organism - 90% of humans have wisdom teeth which never come through the gum – evidence of herbivorous ancestry - Whales still have the remnants of hind legs which is evidence that their ancestors walked on land

Mutations cause gradual change to DNA and protein structure over time. The more similar the DNA and protein structures, the more closely related the species are. humans and chimps