Evidence of Evolution

Outline evidence that present day organisms have developed from different organisms in the distant

past

Fossils can be placed in a time sequence to see patterns

• Relative datingLaw of superposition(generally shows a progression from simple life forms to more complex life forms

• Now we can place absolute times on may fossils by Radiometric Dating

Transition fossilsProvide a suggested pathway for evolutionary change.

ArchaeopteryxBirds evolved from reptiles

• Comparison of present day organisms with fossils of past organisms show changes that have occurred over time. • Skeletal comparisons are often used as evidence of possible Lineages.

Skeletons of Crossopterygious (lobed fish)and amphibians show many similarities. Convincing argument for relations

Biogeography

• Is the Study of the distribution of living things.Distribution of similar plants and animals across the world suggests that after the break up of

super continents (eg Gondwana), evolution has continued resulting in small changes of species as a result of changes in environmental conditions

• Oreocallis: Peru Ecuador, • New Guinea and parts of AustraliaEmbothrium: Chilie, Argentina

Gippsland Waratah or Victorian Waratah. Northeast NSW

Tasmanian Waratah

New South Wales Waratah. East New South Wales.

Comparative Embryology

Comparative anatomy

biochemistry

Comparative DNA analysis