Evidence for Evolution

A Brief Review

Authors

  • Casey Meskovich University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Author

Abstract

Evolutionary theory offers a unifying framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth. Formalized by Charles Darwin as "descent with modification" through natural selection, the concept has since been supported by extensive evidence across multiple scientific disciplines. Paleontological records reveal transitional forms and chronological patterns of increasing complexity. Comparative anatomy highlights homologous structures that point to common ancestry, while embryology demonstrates shared developmental pathways among diverse species. Molecular biology confirms genetic relationships through DNA sequence comparisons, and biogeography illustrates the role of geographic isolation in speciation. Real-time evolutionary changes, such as the emergence of antibiotic resistance, provide observable instances of natural selection. Additionally, vestigial structures and pseudogenes offer insight into evolutionary history and inherited traits that have lost their original function. Collectively, these lines of evidence converge to substantiate evolution as a foundational principle in modern biology. 

Author Biography

  • Casey Meskovich, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Casey is majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering, and is on the biomolecular engineering track. She founded DHD as a way to share her passion for science. Outside of DHD, Casey works in the Sirk Lab, conducting research on the gut microbiome. After graduation she hopes to attend medical school. 

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Published

2025-07-14