Question

With the help of examples, explain the process of biological evolution on the basis of morphological evidence.

Answer 1

Hint:Morphology involves the study of all forms, structures, and specific structural features of all the organisms. Morphological evidence for evolution arises from many aspects of biology that includes fossils, homologous structures, and molecular similarities between the DNA of different species.

Complete answer:
The process of biological evolution on the basis of morphological evidence includes-
Fossil records: A fossil itself exposes the organism's structure and the relationships between present and extinct species. It allows paleontologists to construct a family tree for all of the life forms on Earth. The example of homologous structures includes the pattern of bones of forelimbs of whales, bats, Cheetah, and humans that share similarities in their structures but perform different functions according to their needs in these animals.
Taxonomy: Taxonomy uses morphological and genetic similarities to assist them in categorizing life forms based on ancestral relationships. Examples include gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. They all belong to the same taxonomic grouping referred to as a family. These animals are grouped because of their similarities in morphology. They come from common ancestry.
Embryology: The comparison of anatomical structures in the embryos of two or more species provides evidence for a shared ancestor. When the embryo matures, these homologies can be lost, and the structures can perform different functions.
Vestigial structures: Vestigial structures are a unique group of shared structures that comes under homology. These structures are remnants of organs that played an important role in ancestral forms. In humans, the vestigial organs include ear muscles, the appendix, the wisdom teeth, the tail bone, body hair, and the semilunar fold in the corner of the eye.

Note:
- Homologous structures give the evidence for common ancestry.
- Anthropogenic action involves the excessive use of herbicides and pesticides that has resulted in the selection of resistant varieties of pests in very less time not in centuries.