Scientists can use DNA to figure out how different living things are related by looking at their genetic material. This area of study is called molecular biology, and it helps us find proof of evolution.

1. Comparing DNA Sequences:

   • When scientists check the DNA of different species, they can see how closely related they are.
   • For example, humans and chimpanzees have about 98% of the same DNA. This suggests they had a common ancestor not too long ago.

2. Mutation Rates:

   • Mutations, or tiny changes in DNA, happen at steady rates. This helps scientists act like detectives with a molecular clock.
   • Research shows that, on average, humans have about 1.2 mutations in every 10 million parts of DNA for each generation.

3. Phylogenetic Trees:

   • By studying DNA, scientists can create phylogenetic trees. These trees visually show how different species are related.
   • For example, by looking at mitochondrial DNA, researchers found that modern humans (Homo sapiens) can be traced back around 200,000 years.

These methods in molecular biology add to what we learn from fossil records and the study of body structures, giving us a clearer picture of how evolution happens.