Fossils and Geological Time Scale

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What does the fossil record help scientists document?

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The existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms on Earth over time.

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Fossils appear in a specific chronological order in sedimentary rock layers.

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This order reflects how life evolved from simpler to more complex forms.

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Diagram showing geological time scale with fossil layers.

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The diagram illustrates the chronological order of fossils in sedimentary rock layers, showing the evolution from simpler to more complex life forms.

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Similarities in anatomical structures suggest a shared evolutionary history.

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A shared evolutionary history.

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Natural selection

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The process where traits that help organisms survive become more common in a population.

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Example of natural selection in rabbits

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In a snowy environment, white fur in rabbits helps them avoid predators more than brown fur.

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Probability's role in trait spread

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Probability helps understand how likely it is for a trait to spread.

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Mathematical models of evolution

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Mathematical models help explain how traits spread and become dominant.

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Fossil Record

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The collection of all known fossils and their placement in order from oldest to youngest.

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Extinction

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The permanent disappearance of a species from Earth.