Final answer:
Evolutionary scientists place their faith in four main beliefs when supporting the theory of evolution: common ancestry, natural selection, fossil record, and genetic similarities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biological evolution is supported by scientific evidence from many disciplines, including mathematics. Evolutionary scientists place their faith in four main beliefs when supporting the theory of evolution:
- Common Ancestry: They believe that all species share a common ancestry and have descended from a single common ancestor over millions of years.
- Natural Selection: They believe that the process of natural selection is the driving force behind evolutionary change. Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits on to future generations.
- Fossil Record: They believe that the fossil record provides strong evidence for the existence of various species that have lived in the past and have undergone evolutionary changes.
- Genetic Similarities: They believe that similarities in the genetic codes of different species provide strong evidence for their common descent.