Evolution is a biological phenomenon

that involves changes in organisms through time.

Direct Evidence of Evolution

Direct evidence-is directly observable or can be directly determined.

The following are pieces of direct evidence of evolution

Spontaneous and induced mutation- when

genes are altered, the offspring acquires a new characteristic which is unlike their parents. The modification are passed on to their offspring. Mutation is responsible for genetic variability of organisms.

 Environmental factors such as chemicals and

radiation can alter genes of organisms when they are exposed to them Mutations are induced when organisms are repeatedly exposed to certain physical or chemical factors. Induced mutations can be performed in the laboratory. The prolonged exposure of bacteria to antibiotics may cause these organisms to develop traits that make them resistant to the antibiotics.

 Spontaneous

mutations occur when organisms, without any human intervention or for no obvious reason, develop a changed in genetic makeup.

 Plant and animal breeding-some animals and plants have been bred or cultivated to achieve some desired traits. For example, dogs were domesticated from foxes.
Biochemical similarity- experts believe that there is a biochemical similarity among organisms. Some biochemical mechanisms such as using and transforming energy and protein, and DNA and RNA synthesis remain identical in almost all organisms. These strongly suggest that there is unity of

biochemical mechanisms in living things.

Indirect Evidence of Evolution

Indirect evidence-is the collection of materials or proofs that leads to

possible explanations to a particular evolutionary concept.

Indirect evidence can be based on

1) Anatomical similarities
2) Similarities in developmental stages

3) Variations

Evidence based on anatomical similarities

 The forelimbs of these organisms are similar in structure but different in function, depending on how they are adapted to various movements. Structures that are similar because of common ancestors and those that grow from the same body parts but differ in functions are called homologous structures.
Structures that do not have a function now but may have significant functions in the past or may be useful again in the future. These structures are called vestigial organs. (wisdom tooth,tonsils,appendix, and coccyx)

Evidence based on similarities in developmental stages

 It is possible that organisms came from a

common ancestor by studying the similarities in their developmental stages. All vertebrate embryos begin as a zygote and then go through different stages in the embryonic phase. The similarities in developmental stages are usually used as evidence of evolution because they indicate similarities in genes in the same stages; the differences occur as the organisms grow and develop.

Evidence based on variations

Organisms exhibit a wide array of

variations, which are evidence of how organisms have adapted to the constant changes in the environment.

ASSIGNMENT 2
Describe and give at least two examples of each piece of direct evidence of evolution.
1. Spontaneous and induced mutations

2. Plant and animal breeding

3. Biochemical similarities

Conclusion: Question: How do these pieces of direct evidence affect your understanding of evolution?