Study of nucleic acids (DNA) and proteins (amino acids) to show evolutionary relationships.

The study of embryological development in vertebrates that supports the theory of common ancestry among vertebrates.

The remains or imprints of organisms from earlier geological periods preserved in sedimentary rock.

The study of the physical distribution of organisms around the world.

Study of body structures to provide evidence of evolution.

Structures that are similar in function, but not in structure. Organisms are not related.

Structures that were once useful for ancestrial organism, but no longer needed for the modern organism.

Structures that do not have the same function, but have similar physical structure.

With two unrelated organisms evolve in response to each other.

Process by which unrelated organisms evolve similar structures, traits or features due to similar environments.

When related species develop unique traits due to different environments or selective pressures and become increasingly different from each other over time.

This process occurs when individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation. Over time, these traits become more common in the population.

Random changes in DNA can introduce new genetic variations. Some mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, contributing to the diversity of traits within a population.

This mechanism involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population, particularly in small populations. It can lead to the loss of genetic variation and can cause traits to become more or less common purely by chance.

The transfer of genes between populations can introduce new alleles and increase genetic diversity. This can happen when individuals migrate from one population to another.

This is a form of natural selection where certain traits increase an individual's chances of attracting mates. This can lead to the development of pronounced traits that may not necessarily be advantageous for survival.