Question

Define fossil. Explain importance of fossils as proof of evolution.

Answer 1

Fossils:

1. Fossils are the remains or traces of ancient life that have been preserved by natural processes, from spectacular skeletons to tiny seashells.
2. Imprints, tracks and trails can also become fossilised, like dinosaur footprints or worm burrows.
3. These are called trace fossils.
4. Hence, a fossil can be defined as a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth’s crust.
5. By studying the remains of life and the traces it left behind we can learn a lot about how animals and plants lived and behaved millions of years ago.

Fossils as proof of evolution:

1. Fossils serve as an important proof for the evolution of all species in the world, including human in particular.
   
2. Considering humans, we can discover and research the changes that took place in human beings by studying the different types of fossils obtained from various parts of the world.
   
3. We can observe the changes in body features, size, build, stature and way of life of these predecessors.
   
4. Using radiocarbon dating methodologies, we can also estimate which era a particular fossil belongs to, thus helping us paint a complete picture with regards to the evolution of man.
5. Hence, fossils serve as an important proof of evolution.
6. Another example is Archaeopteryx fossil.
7. Archaeopteryx is known to be a communicating connection between reptiles and birds because it looks like a bird and has bird wings. The teeth and tail, however, are closer to those of reptiles. Since it implies that birds evolved from reptiles. Therefore Archaeopteryx links reptiles and birds.
8. In this way fossils serve as important proof of evolution.