Which evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Anatomical structures provide strong evidence to support the theory of evolution because they allow scientists to observe similarities and differences among various species. By studying these structures, researchers can identify homologous features—body parts that share a common ancestry even if they have evolved for different functions in different species. For instance, the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats exhibit similar skeletal arrangements, indicating a common ancestor despite their adaptations for different environments and activities.

This kind of comparative anatomy not only highlights evolutionary relationships but also supports the idea of descent with modification, which is a cornerstone of evolutionary theory. As species adapt to their environments over time, their anatomical features change, revealing a historical narrative about how life has evolved on Earth. In contrast, while geological formations, cultural artifacts, and climate data may provide insights into the Earth's history or the development of human societies, they do not directly illustrate evolutionary relationships among species in the same profound way that anatomical structures do.