What provides evidence of the extinction of species and changes within groups over time?

What provides evidence of the extinction of species and changes within groups over time?

• A. Natural Selection
• B. Fossil Record
• C. Genetic Variation
• D. Ecological Succession

Answer: (B)

The fossil record serves as an invaluable archive that documents the history of life on Earth, providing tangible evidence of species that no longer exist and showcasing how groups of organisms have evolved over time. This record contains fossils, which are preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. By studying these fossils, scientists can observe the morphological traits of past species, understand their distribution in various geological layers, and analyze trends in extinction rates and evolutionary changes. The fossil record also illustrates patterns of diversity and extinction in different eras, revealing how species have adapted to environmental changes or gone extinct due to significant events like mass extinctions. This comprehensive collection of data is crucial for understanding evolutionary processes, such as speciation and the relationships among different life forms throughout Earth’s history. It also provides a timeline that connects extinct organisms to their living relatives, highlighting the continuity and change in the history of life on the planet.

The fossil record serves as an invaluable archive that documents the history of life on Earth, providing tangible evidence of species that no longer exist and showcasing how groups of organisms have evolved over time. This record contains fossils, which are preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. By studying these fossils, scientists can observe the morphological traits of past species, understand their distribution in various geological layers, and analyze trends in extinction rates and evolutionary changes.

The fossil record also illustrates patterns of diversity and extinction in different eras, revealing how species have adapted to environmental changes or gone extinct due to significant events like mass extinctions. This comprehensive collection of data is crucial for understanding evolutionary processes, such as speciation and the relationships among different life forms throughout Earth’s history. It also provides a timeline that connects extinct organisms to their living relatives, highlighting the continuity and change in the history of life on the planet.