b) Endogenous Retroviruses

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in human DNA provide definitive evidence supporting the theory of common ancestry among different species in the study of evolution. ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections preserved in the DNA of all mammals, including humans. Their presence and location in the genomes of various species offer insights into evolutionary relationships and timelines. The similarity of ERVs in humans and other species, such as primates, indicates a common ancestral lineage. This discovery has been crucial in understanding evolutionary biology, demonstrating the shared genetic history and evolutionary processes across different species.