Question

What are fossils? What do they tell us about the process of evolution?

Answer 1

Evolution:

1. Evolution is defined as a change in a species over a period of time and multiple generations.

Fossil:

1. Any preserved remains, or impressions from previously living entity is referred to as a fossil.
2. For example bones, shells, exoskeletons, and stone imprints.
3. Palaeontology is the scientific study of fossils.

Fossils' relation with evolution:

1. Fossils tell about the ancient organisms' life and their evolution on earth millions of years ago.
2. Fossils are direct evidence of evolution. It tells about the life found on ancient earth.
3. By studying fossil records palaeontologists reveal the connecting link between different organisms of the past and present.
4. The fossils present in the different layers of earth determine the age of the organisms.
5. The fossils found deeper down are older as compared to the fossils that are found in the upper layers of the Earth.
6. The fossils found in the deeper layer of the earth is an old fossil and are found in the shallow layer are newer fossils.
7. Fossils give an idea about the condition of Earth in that time or era.
8. Palaeontologists calculate the age of fossils by the process called carbon dating.