Natural Selection

High similarity suggests a recent common ancestor due to fewer accumulated mutations over time.

Completely unique sequences demonstrate that organisms belong to entirely separate domains of life.

Identical DNA segments imply parallel evolution without any genetic divergence occurring at all timescales

Low similarity indicates rapid speciation and adaptive radiation events occurred recently.

The sudden appearance of fully formed new organisms in distinct geological layers

A consistent lack of change in morphological features across multiple layers

Gradual changes over time observed within linked strata

Identical fossil remains found in both the oldest and newest strata examined

Island species are more susceptible to diseases, which drive rapid evolution.

The smaller populations on islands experience less genetic drift than mainland populations.

Greater biodiversity on islands increases competition, leading to unique adaptations.

Geographic isolation leads to reduced gene flow and distinct evolutionary pathways.

Analogous structures resulting from convergent evolution.

Behavioral adaptations to different environments.

Vestigial organs with no apparent function.

Homologous structures indicating common ancestry.

These structures reflect random occurrences with no relevance.

They show organisms evolved separately but acquired similar features due solely to functional needs.

They indicate common ancestry due to similar patterns despite serving different functions.

They prove convergent evolution occurring because unrelated species occupy equivalent niches.

Presence of homologous structures during development stages that disappear before birth.

Diverse strategies organisms use to protect their embryos from predators.

Variation in gestation periods among different species.

Different rates at which embryos grow and develop into adults.

The similarity in structures is due to convergent evolution resulting from similar environmental pressures.

They show that similar mutations occur randomly across different species due to chance alone.

Homologous structures point to horizontal gene transfer between unrelated species.

Homologous structures indicate shared ancestry and divergent evolution from a common ancestor.

They indicate direct functionality needed for an organism's survival in its current habitat.

They demonstrate inherited features from ancestors that no longer serve a significant purpose today.

They provide proof regarding the dominant traits within a population’s gene pool.

They show active adaptations to current environmental conditions.

Glucose

Oxygen

Carbon dioxide

Water vapor

Distinct reproductive behaviors.

Differences in habitat preferences.

Variations in individual sizes.

Similarities in DNA sequences.