Proof of Evolution. Embryological, cytological, biogeographical evidence: examples

To date, science has many facts that support the reality of evolutionary processes. What is the most important proof of evolution? Embryological, biochemical, anatomical, biogeographical and other confirmations are considered in this article.

Unity of origin of the living world

In this it is difficult to verify, but all living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants, animals) have practically the same chemical composition. Nucleic acids and proteins play an important role in the body of every representative of the living world. In this case, there is a similarity not only in the structure, but also in the functioning of cells and tissues. Evidence of evolution (embryological, biogeographical, anatomical examples can be found in this article) is an important topic in which everyone should be guided.

It should be borne in mind that all living creatures on earth are practically made up of cells that are considered small "bricks" of a great life. At the same time, their functions and structure are very similar regardless of the type of organism.

Embryological evidence of evolution: briefly

There are several embryological evidences confirming the theory of evolution. Many of them were discovered in the nineteenth century. Modern scientists not only did not reject them, but they were also supported by many other factors.

Embryology is a science that deals with the study of embryonic development of organisms. It is known that each multicellular animal develops from an egg cell. And it is the similarity in the initial stages of embryo development that is evidence of their common origin.

The proof of Carl Baer

This famous scientist, who carried out many experiments, was able to notice that all chordates have a complete similarity at the initial stage of development. For example, first the chord develops in the embryos, then the neural tube and the gills. It is the complete similarity of embryos at the initial stage and speaks about the unity of the origin of all chordates.

Already during the later stages, distinctive features become noticeable. The scientist Karl Baer was able to notice that in the first stages of an embryonic fetus, it is possible to determine only the signs of the type to which the organism belongs. Only later there are features characteristic of the class, detachment and the end of the species.

The Haeckel-Muller Proof

The embryological evidences of evolution include the Haeckel-Müller law, which shows the relationship between individual and historical development. Scientists considered the fact that each multicellular animal, developing, passes through the stage of one cell, that is, a zygote. For example, each multicellular organism at the initial stages of development appears chorda, which is subsequently replaced by the spine. However, the ancestors of modern animals did not have this part of the musculoskeletal system.

Embryological evidences of evolution include the development of gill slits in mammals and birds. This fact confirms the origin of the latter from the ancestors of the Pisces class.

The Haeckel-Mueller law says: every multicellular animal passes through all stages of phylogenesis (historical, evolutionary development) during its individual embryonic development.

Anatomical Evidence of Evolution

There are three main anatomical evidences of evolution. Here you can include:

1. Presence of signs that were present in the ancestors of animals. For example, some whales may develop hind legs, and horses have small hoofs. Such signs can be manifested in humans. For example, there are cases of birth of a child with a tail, or a thick scalp on the body. Such atavisms can be considered proof of the connection with older organisms.
2. The presence in the plant and animal world of transitional forms of organisms. It is worth considering euglena green. She has both animal and plant signs at the same time. The presence of so-called transitional forms confirms the evolutionary theory.
3. Rudiments - underdeveloped organs or parts of the body, which today do not have important significance for living organisms. Such structures begin to form in the embryonic period, but eventually their genesis ceases, they remain underdeveloped. Anatomical examples of evidence of evolution can be considered by studying, for example, whales or birds. The first individual has a pelvic girdle, while the second has unnecessary small tibia. A vivid example is also the presence of rudimentary eyes in blind animals.

Biogeographical arguments

Before considering these evidence, it is necessary to understand what the biogeography is studying. This science is engaged in the study of patterns of the distribution of living organisms on the planet Earth. The first biographical information began to appear in the eighteenth century AD.

Biogeographic evidence of evolution can be studied by considering a zoogeographic map. Scientists identified six main areas with a significant diversity of representatives living on them.

Despite the differences in flora and fauna, representatives of zoogeographical regions still have many similar features. Or vice versa, the further apart continents are, the more their inhabitants differ from each other. For example, on the territory of Eurasia and North America, you can notice a significant similarity of fauna, because these continents have separated from each other not so long ago. But Australia, which separated from other continents many millions of years earlier, is characterized by a very peculiar animal world.

Features of flora and fauna on the islands

Biogeographic evidence of evolution should also be studied when considering individual islands. For example, living organisms on islands that have only recently separated from the continents do not differ much from the animal world on the continents themselves. But the old islands, located at a great distance from the continents, have many differences in the animal and vegetable world.

Evidence in the field of paleontology

Paleontology is a science that deals with the study of the remains of extinct organisms. Scientists with knowledge in this field can confidently say that the organisms of the past and the present have many similarities and differences. This is also proof of evolution. Embryological, biogeographical, anatomical and paleontological arguments we have already considered.

Phylogenetic information

Such information is an excellent example and a confirmation of the evolutionary process, since it allows us to understand the peculiarities of the development of the organisms of individual groups.

For example, the famous scientist V.O. Kovalevsky was able to demonstrate the course of evolution on the example of horses. He proved that these single-fingered animals originated from five-fingered ancestors who inhabited our planet about seventy million years ago. These animals were omnivorous and lived in the forest. However, changes in the climate led to a sharp decrease in the area of forests and the expansion of the steppe zone. In order to adapt to the new conditions, these animals had to learn to survive in them. The need to search for good pastures and protection from predators has become the cause of evolution. For many generations this has led to changes in the limbs. The number of phalanges of fingers has decreased from five to one. The structure of the whole organism also became different.

The proof of evolution (embryological, biogeographical and other examples we have analyzed in this article) can be considered on the example of already extinct species. Naturally, the theory of evolution is still being developed. Scientists from around the world are trying to find more information about the development and changes in living organisms.