Question

List two discoveries that led to the development of evolutionary theory.

Answer 1

1.Origin of whales

Hippos likely evolved from a group of anthracotheres about 15 million years ago, the first whales evolved over 50 million years ago, and the ancestor of both these groups was terrestrial. These first whales, such as Pakicetus, were typical land animals. They had long skulls and large carnivorous teeth.

2.Development of different species of Galapagos finches

They are evolved by natural selection.They had different kind of beaks to survive in the adverse environment.

Darwin's finches are a classical example of an adaptive radiation. Their common ancestor arrived on the Galapagos about two million years ago. During the time that has passed theDarwin's finches have evolved into 15 recognized species differing in body size, beak shape, song and feeding behaviour.