Evidence of Evolution Introduction

Evidence of Evolution Introduction

By now you're an expert on various mechanisms of evolution, but being a good scientist, you want EVIDENCE! You've come to the right place. In this section, you'll learn about different kinds of evidence that have been used to support the idea that evolution occurs. Early evolutionary thinkers made some early observations—from geology, the fossil record, biogeography, and comparative anatomy. Evidence from these sources showed that the earth was much older than previously thought, and that the kinds and distributions of organisms had changed over time. Other kinds of evidence, such as developmental and genetic data, have come to light more recently, and provide even more overwhelming evidence that evolution is real. All the sources of evidence discussed here point to one inevitable conclusion: that all living things are related to each other. All are descended from a common ancestor, and over time, evolution shaped the diversity of organisms that populate the planet today. But don't take our word for it—check out the evidence and decide for yourself.

Evidence of Evolution Resources

Websites

National Center for Science Education
If science were a sport, evolution would seem to always be playing defense. Find out why it's important to learn about this basic branch of biology.

Kitzmiller versus Dover
Is it constitutional to teach intelligent design? Find out what the lawyers have to say.

Understanding Evolution
Do you want proof, or do you want fossils? Lucky for you, this site has both.

PBS Evolution
If you look hard enough, you can find Darwin wearing a sweet cravat.

Biography of James Hutton
Geology would be nothing without this guy.

Biography of William Smith
He had mad fossil succession skillz.

Charles Lyell and Uniformitarianism
Uplifting things can cause gradual change. Find out how.

Videos

Hear What Scientists Have To Say
Scientists from all over the board test their evolutionary chops.

History From a Geological Perspective:
Geology and evolution—a love story.

Vestigial Structures
Do I need that? Probably not, but watch just to make sure.