DNA Testing and Evolution

What can DNA testing tell us about evolution on earth?

DNA testing and heredity

How often do you look at your relatives and think, I’ve the same eyebrows as my sister, the same face shape as my grandma or the same eye colour as my mum? Even if you don’t see it, no doubt someone outside of your family will remark upon some shared similarities. You don’t need DNA testing to realise that your parents pass on a family likeness to you, and that you pass on a family resemblance to your own children, and so on.

DNA testing - first living things

But remarkably, DNA testing reveals more than the fact that we share DNA with our immediate relatives or that DNA testing confirms heritage. It also reveals that we share DNA that connects us right back to the first living organisms on earth. DNA testing and genetics helps scientists explain how the species originated from a common ancestor.

DNA testing throws up big questions

Before you grew up and everyday life and worries filled your mind, it’s likely you asked the big questions in life – where did it all begin, why do we exist, where does space end. DNA testing can help find answers. Scientists believe that four and a half billion years ago, earth was inhabitable. But after the first billion years, a huge array of species roamed earth. It is thought that perhaps organic molecules formed in the atmosphere, which then organised themselves into single-celled organisms. From that came algae, crustaceans, plants, insects, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

DNA testing - Charles Darwin evolutionary theory

Darwin is famed for his evolutionary theories expounded in 1859 in, On the Origin of Species. This follows the idea that natural selection determines what survives and adapts and what doesn’t. Although DNA testing reveals our genetic make-up, and we all share DNA (did you know we share the majority of our DNA with monkeys?) natural selection works along the lines that an animal that has the best qualities will be more successful reproducing. The ones that do not perform as well will fail and finally become extinct.

DNA testing - in the genes

This theory was confirmed by a monk called Mendel who in the mid-19th century discovered we carry two genes – one is dominant, one is recessive. When we reproduce, the recessive gene is swamped in our offspring.  This explains, without the need of DNA testing, why we inherit specific traits.

International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA testing services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA testing at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.

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