GCSE Biology Revision — Evidence for Evolution
Revise Evidence for Evolution for GCSE Biology with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Evidence for Evolution?
The theory of evolution is supported by a vast body of evidence from different fields. The fossil record shows how organisms have changed over time, with simpler life forms found in older rocks. Further evidence comes from antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which demonstrates natural selection happening in real-time, and the similarities in DNA and anatomy between different species, which point to common ancestry.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The evidence from fossils and antibiotic resistance are key examples students must know.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
The evolution of the horse is well-documented in the fossil record. Fossils show that over 50 million years, the horse evolved from a small, dog-sized creature with multiple toes, living in forests, to the large, single-toed animal adapted for running on open grasslands that we see today. This shows a clear pattern of adaptation to a changing environment.
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Common mistakes
- 1Thinking the fossil record is complete. The fossil record is patchy because the conditions for fossilisation are rare. There are many 'missing links', but the fossils we do have provide strong evidence for evolution.
- 2Confusing analogy with homology. Homologous structures (like the pentadactyl limb in vertebrates) are similar because of shared ancestry, whereas analogous structures (like the wings of a bird and an insect) are similar because of convergent evolution, not shared ancestry.
- 3Ignoring the evidence from DNA. Modern genetics provides some of the strongest evidence for evolution. The fact that all life uses the same genetic code (DNA) and that closely related species have more similar DNA sequences is powerful proof of a common origin.
Evidence for Evolution exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
What are fossils?
Fossils are the preserved remains, traces, or impressions of once-living organisms from a past geological age. They can be formed from hard parts like bones and shells, or from organisms being trapped in amber or ice.
How does antibiotic resistance show evolution?
When bacteria are exposed to an antibiotic, most are killed, but a few may have a random mutation that makes them resistant. These resistant bacteria survive and reproduce, passing on the resistance allele. Over time, the whole population of bacteria becomes resistant to the antibiotic.