Question

Write a short note on embryological evidence.

Answer 1

Hint: Embryology is a scientific discipline concerned with the formation, growth, and development of embryos. Here, in this question, we need to understand the terms embryology and evolution. After that, we can understand the evidence of evolution.


Complete step-by-step answer:

Embryology is concerned with the prenatal stage of development, beginning with the formation of gametes, fertilization, zygote formation, embryo and fetus development, and ending with the birth of a new individual.

Evolution is the change in a species' physical characteristics over many generations as a result of natural selection. The theory of evolution is based on the idea that all species are related and that they change progressively over time. Evolution is based on genetic variation in a population, which affects an organism's physical characteristics. Certain physical characteristics may provide individuals with advantages that can be passed down to their offspring.

One of the fundamental pillars of modern biological theory is evidence of evolution. There is numerous evidence to support biological evolution, including fossils, comparative anatomy, and embryo development patterns.

1) Fossils: They are the non-degraded remains of living beings found within rocks. The age of the fossil is determined by the layer from which it was recovered. Deeper down, the fossils are older than those found in the upper layers.

2) Anatomy Comparative: It explains how many organisms share a common ancestor and how many different organisms evolved through natural selection or genetic drift. There were two types of comparative anatomy observed: homologous organs and analogous organs.
a) Homologous organs in different organisms have similar structures but perform different functions.
b) Analogous organs demonstrate how different species evolved and adapted to their environments.

3) Embryonic Development: Until a certain point in gestation, embryos of different species have a similar structure. Human, pig, reptile, and bird embryos, for example, exhibit similar embryonic development. As they grow, they transform into the appropriate species. This demonstrates common ancestry once more.

Note: For this question candidates must be aware of the concept of evolution then only they can understand the evidence of embryology. Embryology is the branch of biology that studies embryogenesis or the formation of an embryo from a fertilized egg cell.