The theory of evolution is supported by a wide range of scientific evidence from various disciplines. Each field provides unique insights that collectively strengthen our understanding of how life on Earth has changed over time.
| Discipline | Evidence | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleontology | Fossil Record | Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms | Demonstrates change in species over time and transitional forms |
| Comparative Anatomy | Homologous Structures | Similar anatomical features in different species | Indicates common ancestry and adaptive evolution |
| Embryology | Developmental Similarities | Common patterns in embryonic development across species | Indicates shared history and conserved developmental pathways |
| Molecular Biology | DNA and Protein Similarities | Genetic and protein sequence similarities among species | Provides molecular evidence for common descent and evolutionary relationships |
| Biogeography | Species Distribution | Patterns of species distribution across geographical areas | Supports evolution through adaptation to different environments |
| Genetics | Population Genetics | Changes in gene frequencies within populations over time | Demonstrates evolution at the genetic level and mechanisms of adaptation |
| Biochemistry | Universal Biochemical Processes | Common biochemical pathways and molecules across all life forms | Indicates a single origin of life and subsequent diversification |
| Artificial Selection | Selective Breeding | Human-directed evolution of domesticated plants and animals | Demonstrates the power of selection in shaping species over time |
| Microbiology | Bacterial Resistance | Evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria | Shows evolution occurring in real-time and its practical implications |