As a fundamental concept of biological science, evolution is supported by multiple forms of observable evidence. Which of the following supports the theory of evolution? fossil records comparative anatomy biochemistry comparative embryology
All of the options provided—fossil records, comparative anatomy, biochemistry, and comparative embryology—support the theory of evolution in different ways:
1. **Fossil Records**: Fossils provide evidence of the changes that occurred in organisms over time. They document the existence of species that lived in the past and show the progression of evolutionary changes.
2. **Comparative Anatomy**: This field examines the similarities and differences in the anatomical structures of different species. Homologous structures indicate common ancestry, while analogous structures demonstrate how different species can evolve similar traits independently.
3. **Biochemistry**: Analyzing the biochemical processes and molecular structures of different organisms reveals similarities in DNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways. These similarities suggest a shared evolutionary origin.
4. **Comparative Embryology**: By studying the embryonic development of different species, researchers find that many organisms exhibit similar stages at various points in development. This supports the idea of common descent among species.
In summary, all of these fields provide evidence supporting the theory of evolution.