Evidence of evolution can be observed in a number of different ways, including distribution of fossils of species both geographically and through geologic time. Evolution is a major scientific theory. As such, it has a tremendous amount of supporting evidence and no clearly contradicting evidence. If new evidence appears to refute it, then a new theory must be formulated. Any evidence requiring a totally new theory, however, would have to be staggering in its scope and strength. The new evidence that has been forthcoming in recent scientific studies supports the theory of evolution and merely fine tunes scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved.

A clear and strong argument in favor of evolutionary theory is found in the fossil record. Paleontology (the study of fossils) provides an unarguable record that many species no longer exist. By such techniques as carbon dating and studying the placement...