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What Are The Four Main Categories Of Evidence Of Evolution

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The four main categories of evidence for evolution in accordance to the BAT tutorials are: fossil records, chemical and anatomical similarities, geographic distribution of related species, and genetic changes over generations. Fossil records allow researchers to examine evolution through past species. One example is the Archaeopteryx, a million year old fossil found in southern Germany that had characteristics of both dinosaurs and birds. This fossil finding resulted as the discovery that birds had evolved from reptilian ancestors. Also, the similarities between body structures in vertebrates make for a distinct link leading to the conclusion that they must share a common ancestor or a similarity in how they came to be. Additionally, the geographic location of certain species determines their evolution patterns. In certain areas of the world, there are animals that are native to that land and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Lastly, a species genetic alter over time in order to survive. In the case of a drastic environmental change that results in death, those that survive do so because they possess traits that allow them to survive. These are the only ones that will be likely to reproduce. Selective breeding in dogs is an example genetic changes over evolution. In these cases, dog breeders mate different breeds of dogs together in order to achieve the desired traits they want in a new breed of dog. …show more content…

The finches illustrate this by their ability to adapt to the altering periods of wet and dry spells on the island they reside in. Finches also have beaks according to their available source of nutrition based on their

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