Molecular evidence gives us strong support for the theory of evolution in a few key ways:
DNA Comparisons: When we look at the DNA of different species, we can see similarities that show they come from a common ancestor. For example, humans and chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA, which is a lot!
Protein Analysis: Similar proteins in different species suggest that they are closely related. For example, the hemoglobin protein found in many animals shows big similarities, which hints that they followed similar paths in their evolution.
Genomic Studies: Studying the complete sets of genes, or genomes, helps us understand how species have changed and split apart over time. This gives more support to the idea of a “tree of life,” where all living things are connected.
These discoveries at the molecular level help us understand evolution better!
Molecular evidence gives us strong support for the theory of evolution in a few key ways:
DNA Comparisons: When we look at the DNA of different species, we can see similarities that show they come from a common ancestor. For example, humans and chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA, which is a lot!
Protein Analysis: Similar proteins in different species suggest that they are closely related. For example, the hemoglobin protein found in many animals shows big similarities, which hints that they followed similar paths in their evolution.
Genomic Studies: Studying the complete sets of genes, or genomes, helps us understand how species have changed and split apart over time. This gives more support to the idea of a “tree of life,” where all living things are connected.
These discoveries at the molecular level help us understand evolution better!