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Evolution is mostly defined as the change in inheritable characteristics over the course of multiple generations, which are the expression of genes passed down from the previous generations. Evolution can be influenced by multiple different factors such as mutation or natural selection due to outside factors, which in the end constitute biodiversity. Evidence for evolution comes from many different areas of biology, such as anatomy, molecular biology or biogeography. One of the most influential works discussing evolution is Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" (1859) which details the evolutionary history of animal species had has since been widely debated across a range of disciplines. Some schools still deny the existence of evolution or regard it as a theoretical case that needs to be supported by more evidence.

Types of Evidence in Evolutionary Biology Anatomy

Species may share similar physical features because the feature was present in a common ancestor (homologous structures).

Molecular biology

DNA and the genetic code reflect the shared ancestry of life. DNA comparisons can show how related species are.

Biogeography

The global distribution of organisms and the unique features of island species reflect the evolution and geological change.

Fossils

Fossils document the existence of now-extinct past species that are related to present-day species.

Direct observation

We can directly observe small-scale evolution in organisms with short lifecycles (e.g., pesticide-resistant insects).

Evidence of Common Descent File:Darwin's finches.jpg Darwin's_finches.jpg|Four of the 13 finch species found on the Island of Galapagos, displaying how adaptive radiation affected their beak shapes.

Sources: Wikipedia-Evolution, Khan Academy- Evidence for Evolution

Evidence in Criminal Cases