The Theory of Evolution was created by Charles Darwin. The theory has helped scientists to understand what they are studying. Evolution shows the process of a species developing and diversifying over time. The Theory gives an explanation for why some species are similar to the fossils that scientists find today. The evidence that evolution helps us understand the creation and relation amongst species would consist of Comparative Anatomy. This shows us the difference between homologous structures, analogous structures and vestigial structures.
Homologous structures - structures w/ the same origin but adapted for different purposes. An example of this would be divergent evolution... this is the sharing of common ancestors but to start to evolve separately.
ex. humans, whales, bats
Analogous Structures - structures w/ different origins in distantly related organisms adapted for the same purposes. An example of this would be convergent evolution... this is the sharing of different ancestors but that have evolved similar adaptations to fit their environment.
ex. birds, flies
Vestigial Structures -Structures that are present in organisms but no longer have any use bc they have been reduced in size or last over time.
ex. Appendicts, tail bones, and leg bones to snakes
There are also different methods of finding when fossils date back to.
Overall the 4 main sources of evidence...
1. Comparative Anatomy - above ^^^
2. Dating Fossils -
Relative: approximate age of the fossil based on its position on the rock layers using index fossils as indicators
Absolute: Determines exact age (in yrs) of fossil
3. Embryology - Closely related organisms have common early development stages
4. Molecular Sequencing - DNA sequences of closely related organisms are similar. The more closely related two species are the more amino acids sequences they have in common.
So......bascially that's to support the point that the Theory of Evolution helps scientists to study and understand a population of species and on how they can react and change in their own environments.
I really hope this helps :)
