Which statement best describes what the fossil record suggests about evolution on Earth?

• A. The fossil record shows a progression of life forms from simple to more complex over time.
• B. The fossil record provides no evidence for the extinction of species.
• C. The fossil record suggests that species have remained unchanged throughout Earth's history.
• D. The fossil record indicates that all species appeared on Earth at the same time.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand 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 evidence of how life has changed over time.
2. Analyze the progression of life forms: The fossil record shows a chronological sequence of organisms, starting with simple life forms (e.g., single-celled organisms) in older rock layers and progressing to more complex organisms (e.g., multicellular life, plants, and animals) in more recent layers.
3. Consider evidence of extinction: The fossil record contains evidence of species that no longer exist, indicating that extinction is a natural part of Earth's history.
4. Evaluate species change over time: The fossil record demonstrates that species have undergone significant changes over millions of years, supporting the concept of evolution rather than species remaining unchanged.
5. Address the appearance of species: The fossil record does not support the idea that all species appeared simultaneously. Instead, it shows a gradual emergence of different species over geological time.