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- Describe using specific examples how the theory of evolution is supported by the following areas:
- Palaeontology, including fossils
- Biogeography
- Comparative embryology
- Comparative anatomy
- Biochemistry
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Palentology:
- The study of fossils.
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Biogeography:
- The study of geographical distribution of organisms.
- EG. Ratites (flightless birds) and continental drift.
- Today's flightless birds suggest these birds originated from a common ancestor on gondwana
- Also different populations evolved on isolated southern continents as they drifted apart
- Emu - australia
- Ostriches - south africa
- Kiwis - new zealand
- Rheas - south america
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Comparative Embryology:
- Is the comparision of the developmental stages of different species.
- Linking one organism to another. All living organisms share an aquatic ancestor.
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Comparative Anatomy:
- The study of similaraties and differences and differences in structure (anatomy) of living organisms that show relatedness of a species.
- Similar ancestory - similar bone structures have developed differences due to environmental pressures.
- EG. Humans, cats, whales and bats all have (humerous, radius and ulna, carpal, metacarpals and 5 phalanges)
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Biochemistry:
- The study of chemicals found in cells, includes the study of molecular biology and genetics.
- All living things contain the same macromolecules such as DNA and proteins (enxymes)
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