How do fossils help biologists understand the history of life on earth?

Question

Madeline Andrews · Accepted Answer

They help in that they show the transition of life through the ages.

For example, they can show several ancestral species from which our present day species could have possibly descended. Also, they could also show physical features that present day animals also have.

Of course, once you get into that there is a ton of controversy you will face, but for your average high school Biology course, what I said above is good to know.

Hope that helped :)

Emma Arvizu · Answer

undefined Fossils provide evidence of past life forms, allowing biologists to study the evolution and diversity of organisms over time. By analyzing fossilized remains, biologists can reconstruct ancient environments, track changes in species over geological time, and infer evolutionary relationships among different organisms. Fossils also provide insights into the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations of extinct species, helping scientists understand the processes of natural selection and environmental change that have shaped life on Earth.

Easton Bailey · Answer

undefined Fossils provide evidence of past life forms, allowing biologists to reconstruct the history of life on Earth. They offer insights into the evolution of species, biodiversity patterns, and environmental changes over time. By studying fossils, biologists can determine the age of rock layers and infer the chronology of life events. Fossilized remains also provide information about the anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles of ancient organisms, aiding in the understanding of evolutionary processes and the development of life on Earth.