Common descent
Common descent is the scientific concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor at some point in their evolutionary history. This means that the diverse forms of life we see today, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, have evolved over millions of years from simpler life forms. The idea is supported by evidence from fields like genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy, which show similarities between species that suggest a shared origin. In essence, common descent highlights the interconnectedness of all life on Earth through evolution.
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Common descent is the scientific concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor or a group of ancestral species from which they have evolved over time. This means that through millions of years of evolution, different species diverged from these shared ancestors, leading to the diversity of life we see today. Evidence for common descent comes from various fields, including genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy, demonstrating how traits are inherited and how species adapt to their environments. Essentially, common descent helps explain the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.