support for evolution

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and

this

There are many fields of scientific knowledge that support evolution. One of the original and still strong supports for evolution are fossils accurately dated by radioactive decay and their location in the stratosphere. Transitional forms show one group of animals changing into another. Comparative biochemistry analyzes the DNA of animals which shows a pattern of divergence in protein sequences that supports evolutionary theory. Finally, comparative anatomy and embryology show similar structures in related life forms. For example, all vertebrates have the same basic skeletal structure and embryos.



Fossils are the oldest methods of investigating evolutionary theory. Using carbon 14 dating we can accurately date fossils for up to 50,000 years ago, and potassium and argon dating can effectively date samples for up to 1.3 billion years ago. Other forms of dating can go all the way back to the formation of the earth itself. Also dated by their location in rock layers, fossils show transitional forms from one species to the next.

The evolution of the G. arcuata obliquas oyster clearly moves from one species to the next as the shell enlarges and changes from a long shell to a more efficient round shell in the most recent G gigantes oyster. These more primitive species consistently move to a more modern life form. Fossils have now been found linking all major groups.

DNA and ATP, the chemical energy that many cells run on, show a pattern of divergence that allows us to use the protein sequence as a molecular clock. For example, the difference in the gene sequence that codes for hemoglobin demonstrates an evolutionary change from one species to the next.

Lastly, comparative anatomy shows homologous structures such as forelimbs that all share the same basic structure. You have the same type of skeleton with all of the same bones as every other vertebrate.

These and other scientific investigations strongly support evolutionary theory, which is why it is the currently accepted theory among scientists. The fossil record showing transitional forms correlates to the molecular record and comparative anatomy and embryology show that all life forms of a similar grouping have similar structures. In light of this evidence, scientists have a working theory of how microevolution leads to macroevolution and speciation though an accumulation of changes.

But that’s enough for one post. I will explain the five major forces that drive evolution some other time.

edit: fixed links.



[This message has been edited by kenwih (edited 04-29-2006).]