Is evolution true?
I believe evolution is true to a large extent. I believe that evolution has happened and continues to everyday. The information that I have been provided, as well as my previous knowledge, has lead me to make the statement that evolution is real. Here are some reasons why I believe this to be the case.
Types of Evidence in favour of evolution:
I. Fossil Evidence: Fossils from the past give us an idea on what previous animals and species looked like, specifically their bone structure. We can use these fossils to compare to species of animals that are alive today. This is a good piece of evidence because it provides a physical comparison of something from the past to present day animals.
II. Comparative Anatomy: Comparing the anatomy of different species alive today allows us to find similar bone structures between the different species. When comparing the anatomy, we look for homologous structures, which can also include organs, rather than only bones. When species are found to have similarities in their anatomy, a conclusion that can be made is that they must have, at one point, shared a common ancestor. For example, gorillas, humans, and baboon, have been found to have a similar bone structure, meaning that at one point in time, all three species must have evolved from a common ancestor. It is also important to keep in mind that when comparing anatomy, we are not looking for analogous structure, which is looking for the same function within species. Simply put, two species of birds may have wings and be able to fly, but the structure of their wings can be completely different, indicating that there was no common ancestor between them.
III. Comparative Embryology: The embryo of any species displays the most basic and primitive genes first. When comparing embryos, we are able to see the similarities between different species. There is a genetic reason the embryos express themselves a certain way first, and when the embryos of different species appear identical, it indicates similar DNA, and therefore, a common ancestor from which they each evolved.
IV. Molecular Evidence: This type of evidence examines the genes of species themselves, or their proteins. From the amino acid sequence that make up proteins, we are able to tell approximately how long the gene pool, or population has been separated. The greater the difference between two populations is depend upon the amount of time they have been isolated. Another part to molecular evidence is comparing DNA itself. Members of the same species have DNA that is almost identical, and different species can have DNA that is very similar, which indicates that there must have been a common ancestor. Using these two methods together, we are able to determine the history of evolution within a group of organisms.
Although there are still some gaps in the explanation of evolution, I believe that there is enough evidence to justify and support the theory of evolution.
Types of Evidence in favour of evolution:
I. Fossil Evidence: Fossils from the past give us an idea on what previous animals and species looked like, specifically their bone structure. We can use these fossils to compare to species of animals that are alive today. This is a good piece of evidence because it provides a physical comparison of something from the past to present day animals.
II. Comparative Anatomy: Comparing the anatomy of different species alive today allows us to find similar bone structures between the different species. When comparing the anatomy, we look for homologous structures, which can also include organs, rather than only bones. When species are found to have similarities in their anatomy, a conclusion that can be made is that they must have, at one point, shared a common ancestor. For example, gorillas, humans, and baboon, have been found to have a similar bone structure, meaning that at one point in time, all three species must have evolved from a common ancestor. It is also important to keep in mind that when comparing anatomy, we are not looking for analogous structure, which is looking for the same function within species. Simply put, two species of birds may have wings and be able to fly, but the structure of their wings can be completely different, indicating that there was no common ancestor between them.
III. Comparative Embryology: The embryo of any species displays the most basic and primitive genes first. When comparing embryos, we are able to see the similarities between different species. There is a genetic reason the embryos express themselves a certain way first, and when the embryos of different species appear identical, it indicates similar DNA, and therefore, a common ancestor from which they each evolved.
IV. Molecular Evidence: This type of evidence examines the genes of species themselves, or their proteins. From the amino acid sequence that make up proteins, we are able to tell approximately how long the gene pool, or population has been separated. The greater the difference between two populations is depend upon the amount of time they have been isolated. Another part to molecular evidence is comparing DNA itself. Members of the same species have DNA that is almost identical, and different species can have DNA that is very similar, which indicates that there must have been a common ancestor. Using these two methods together, we are able to determine the history of evolution within a group of organisms.
Although there are still some gaps in the explanation of evolution, I believe that there is enough evidence to justify and support the theory of evolution.