Step-by-step explanation:
Darwin's observations of animals on distant and isolated landmasses that appeared to be related to animals on the mainlands, despite not being related, suggest the possibility of a process of evolution and adaptation. To make sense of his observations, Darwin would need additional evidence to support his theory of evolution by natural selection.
One type of evidence that would help Darwin make sense of his observations is biogeography. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. By studying the distribution patterns of species and ecosystems across different landmasses, Darwin could compare and contrast the similarities and differences between species that are related and those that are not.
Another type of evidence that would help Darwin is fossil records. By studying the fossil records of different species, Darwin could trace the evolution of different species over time and identify similarities and differences between related and unrelated species.
Additionally, comparative anatomy and embryology could also provide evidence for Darwin's theory of evolution. By comparing the anatomical structures and developmental processes of different species, Darwin could identify similarities and differences between related and unrelated species, and infer how these structures and processes have evolved over time.
Finally, molecular biology and genetics could also provide evidence for Darwin's theory of evolution. By studying the genetic makeup of different species and comparing it across different lineages, Darwin could identify genetic similarities and differences between related and unrelated species, and trace the evolutionary history of different species.
In summary, biogeography, fossil records, comparative anatomy and embryology, and molecular biology and genetics are types of evidence that would help Darwin make sense of his observations of animals on distant and isolated landmasses that appeared to be related to animals on the mainlands, despite not being related.