How can the fossil record provide evidence for evolutionary relationships among organisms?

• A. By demonstrating that all species appeared simultaneously in the same rock layer
• B. By revealing the exact DNA sequences of extinct species
• C. By directly observing living organisms evolving in real time
• D. By showing transitional forms that illustrate the gradual change of species over time

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the fossil record: The fossil record is a collection of preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, found in sedimentary rock layers. It provides a timeline of life on Earth and helps scientists study evolutionary changes over time.
2. Recognize the importance of transitional forms: Transitional forms are fossils that show intermediate characteristics between ancestral species and their descendants. These forms provide evidence of gradual changes and adaptations in species over time.
3. Analyze how rock layers contribute to understanding evolution: Fossils are found in specific rock layers, which correspond to different geological time periods. By studying the sequence of these layers, scientists can trace the progression of species and identify evolutionary relationships.
4. Compare fossil evidence with modern species: Scientists use fossils to compare anatomical structures, such as bones, teeth, or shells, with those of living organisms. This helps establish connections between extinct and extant species, supporting the theory of common ancestry.
5. Conclude that the fossil record supports evolutionary theory: The presence of transitional forms and the chronological arrangement of fossils in rock layers illustrate the gradual change of species over time, providing strong evidence for evolutionary relationships among organisms.