Question

Define fossil.Explain importance of fossils as proof of evolution.

Answer 1

This is what the dictionary says about the word Fossil:
"The remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in rock and preserved in petrified form."

In other words, fossils are the remains of dead plants and animals which have been embedded into rocks and preserved for several years.

Fossils serve as an important proof for the evolution of all species in the world, including man in particular. Considering humans, we can discover and research the changes that took place in human beings by studying the different types of fossils obtained from various parts of the world. We can observe the changes in body features, size, build, stature and way of life of these predecessors. Using dating methodologies, we can also estimate which era a particular fossil belongs to, thus helping us paint a complete picture with regards to the evolution of man.

Hence, fossils serve as an important proof of evolution.

Answer 2

Impressions of ancient plants and creatures found on earth’s crust, mainly on rocks are known as Fossils and the study of Fossils is known as Palaeontology.

 

It helps us to know about the history of life, origin and evolution of certain species. Fossils of different periods help Palaeontologists study the various stages of evolution or the period when some species became extinct.

 

Radiometric dating and Relative dating are the common methods employed for studying fossils.