Evidence for evolution
SC.912.L.15.1
Explain how the scientific
theory of evolution is
supported by the fossil
record, comparative
anatomy, comparative
embryology,
biogeography, molecular
biology, and observed
evolutionary change.
Source:http://nondiscovery.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/intelligent-design-lacks-
/
evolutions-web-of-evidence
What do I need to know?
 how the theory of evolution is
supported by evidence from the fossil
record, comparative anatomy,
comparative embryology,
biogeography, molecular biology, and
observed evolutionary change.
 trends in hominid evolution from early
ancestors to modern humans
including brain size, jaw size,
language and manufacture of tools.
 the differences between a scientific
theory and a scientific law and know
how a theory is developed over time.
Evidence for evolution
Major types of evidence
used to support the
theory of evolution
include the fossil
record, comparative
anatomy, comparative
embryology, molecular
biology &
biogeography
Hominid evolution
Over the last 7 million
years several species of
hominids have existed.
Major changes seen in
hominid evolution have
included increase in
cranium and brain size,
standing upright (bipedal),
the use of tools and
development of language.
Theory vs Law
A scientific theory is a
well tested explanation for
a phenomenon. Theories
can be refined or
discarded as new
evidence is discovered.
A scientific law is a
description of an event
and will always hold true
under a certain set of
circumstances or
conditions.
Show What You Know
 The diagrams below show the skeletons of two different animal
species. How does comparing the skeletons of these animals
provide support for the scientific theory of evolution?
A. It provides information about the organisms' habitats.
B. It shows possible common ancestry between
organisms.
C. It provides information to determine the organisms' ages.
D. It shows possible chromosomal similarities between
organisms.
Show What You Know
 Which of the following correctly describes the
general trend in hominid evolution?
A. larger body size, broad forehead, smaller brains
B. increase in brain capacity, bipedalism, use of
tools
C. thickening of the skull, protruding teeth,
organized hunting
D. large canine teeth, small skulls, diet of coarse
plant material
Show What You Know
 Humans and chimpanzees have almost identical
DNA and many similarities in anatomy. Which
statement about the evolutionary relationship
between modern humans and chimpanzees is
supported by these facts?
A. Humans and chimpanzees are unrelated.
B. Humans descended directly from chimpanzees.
C. Humans are a more evolved version of
chimpanzees.
D. Humans and chimpanzees share a common
ancestor.
Show What You Know
 Which of the following statements correctly
compares a scientific theory and a scientific law?
A. A law is a fact and a theory is an opinion.
B. A law is a theory that has been proven to be
true.
C. A law is a description and a theory is an
explanation.
D. A law is always true and a theory is sometimes
true.