Final answer:
Biological evolution is supported by evidence from geology, through the fossil record; physical science, via radiometric dating; morphology, in the form of comparative anatomy; and genetics/biochemistry, via DNA sequence analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of biological evolution is supported by evidence from multiple scientific disciplines. Here are four sources of such evidence:
- Geology: The study of rock layers (stratigraphy) and the fossil record they contain provides a historical context for life on Earth. Fossils show a succession of organisms that reflect a pattern of descent with modification over time. Older rock strata contain simpler, more ancient life forms, while newer strata host more complex organisms, indicating a timeline of biological evolution.
- Physical Science: Radiometric dating allows scientists to determine the age of rocks and fossils, supporting the geological timescale and helping to map out the chronology of evolutionary events.
- Morphology: Comparative anatomy reveals homologous structures among different species, which are body parts that have similar structures but may serve different functions. This suggests that these species share a common ancestor, providing morphological evidence for evolution.
- Genetic/Biochemical: DNA sequence analysis reveals the genetic relationships between species. Similar DNA sequences among different organisms indicate common ancestry. The more closely related two species are, the more similar their genetic makeup, which is a key biochemical evidence for evolution.