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HomeHomework HelpbiologyFossil Record and Transitional Forms

Fossil Record and Transitional Forms

The fossil record refers to the chronological sequence of fossils preserved in sedimentary rocks, which provides evidence of the history of life on Earth and the evolution of species over time. Transitional forms are fossils that exhibit characteristics intermediate between ancestral and descendant groups, illustrating the gradual changes that occur during the process of evolution.

intermediate
3 hours
Biology
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Overview

The fossil record is a vital source of information about the history of life on Earth, showcasing the diversity of organisms that have existed over millions of years. Transitional forms, which exhibit characteristics of both ancestral and descendant species, provide compelling evidence for the theor...

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Key Terms

Fossil
The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Example: Dinosaur bones are fossils.

Transitional Fossil
A fossil that exhibits traits common to both an ancestral group and its derived descendant group.

Example: Archaeopteryx is a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and birds.

Paleontology
The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through fossils.

Example: Paleontologists study dinosaur fossils.

Evolution
The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms.

Example: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.

Geological Time Scale
A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.

Example: The Mesozoic Era is part of the geological time scale.

Fossilization
The process by which organic material becomes a fossil.

Example: Fossilization can occur through mineralization.

Related Topics

Evolutionary Mechanisms
Study the processes that drive evolution, such as natural selection and genetic drift.
intermediate
Paleobiology
Explore the biology of ancient organisms and their ecosystems.
intermediate
Geological Processes
Learn about the processes that shape the Earth's structure and influence fossil formation.
intermediate

Key Concepts

FossilizationTransitional FossilsEvolutionary EvidenceGeological Time Scale