Our world is so complex and interconnected, it is no surprise that science is too. This essay examines the multiple lines of evidence that align to provide our modern understanding of evolution and its mechanism.

Not surprisingly, Charles Darwin is often viewed as the primary (or only) source of our knowledge of evolution. Open any biology text and you will find a photo of the grand old man, something about the voyage of the Beagle, and a definition of evolution. However, our modern understanding of evolution is now so much richer because of a synthesis of evidence from intersecting specialties and perspectives. Just consider the following.

Paleontology (Stories That Fossils Can Tell). Evidence in support of evolution is often found within the layers of the Earth. From shells in the Andes to hominin remains unearthed from caves, fossils suggest both the appearance of and relationships between long-dead creatures. For...

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