Question

define fossil. explain importance of fossil as a proof of evolution

Answer 1

A fossil is the naturally preserved remains or traces of animals or plants that lived in the geologic past.

Answer 2

Answer:

i. Remnants and impressions of organisms which get buried and remain  preserved underground are called fossils. Study of fossils is an important  aspect of study of evolution.

ii. Carbon consumption of animals and plants stop after death and since  then, only the decaying process of C-14 occurs continuously.

iii. In case of dead bodies of plants and animals, the ratio of C-14: C-12  changes continuously instead of remaining constant as C-12 is non –  radioactive.

iv. The time passed since the death of the plant or animal can be calculated  by measuring the radioactivity of C -14 and the ratio of C-14 to C-12  present in their body.

v. This is carbon dating method. It is used in determining the age of human  fossils and manuscripts.

vi. Once the age of the fossil is determined, it becomes easy to deduce  information about the erstwhile organisms.

vii. It seems that vertebrates have slowly originated from invertebrates.

Hope it helps you :)