All of these examples show evidence for evolution because they show ______ and ______.

• A. homology; descent with modification
• B. osmosis; diffusion
• C. photosynthesis; respiration
• D. mutation; random drift

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of evolution. Evolution refers to the process by which species change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation.
2. Step 2: Recognize that evidence for evolution often involves traits or characteristics shared among organisms due to common ancestry (homology) and changes in these traits over generations (descent with modification).
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Homology and descent with modification are directly related to evolutionary processes, while the other options (osmosis/diffusion, photosynthesis/respiration, mutation/random drift) are biological processes or mechanisms but not direct evidence for evolution.
4. Step 4: Understand that homology refers to similarities in structure or function among different species due to shared ancestry, and descent with modification describes how traits are passed down and altered over generations.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'homology; descent with modification,' as these terms are fundamental to understanding and providing evidence for evolution.