Which of the following can be considered as a direct evidence of evolution?
Answer Details
The direct evidence of evolution is provided by the fossil record. Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms from the past that have been preserved in sedimentary rocks. They show the changes in organisms that have occurred over time and provide a record of the history of life on Earth. By studying fossils, scientists can trace the evolution of various groups of organisms, including animals, plants, and even bacteria.
Classification, comparative anatomy, and comparative embryology are all indirect evidence of evolution. They provide clues and support for the theory of evolution, but they do not directly demonstrate the occurrence of evolution. For example, classification is based on the similarities and differences between organisms, which can reflect their evolutionary relationships. Comparative anatomy shows how different organisms have adapted to their environments and evolved different structures over time. Comparative embryology reveals similarities and differences in the development of different organisms, which can also reflect their evolutionary relationships. But none of these provide direct evidence of the occurrence of evolution.