AP Bio Study Guide

Big Idea 1.A

What are examples of evidence for evolution?

  • Fossil record shows evolution over time.
  • Comparative anatomy. Homologous structures (same internal structure, but function varies) between different organisms reflect common ancestry.
  • Different organisms have similar biochemical pathways and DNA sequences.

Also good to know is that analogous structures have the same function but have adapted separately to similar environments, and that vestigial structures are structures that were once needed but now serve no purpose.