Question
What are fossils? Giving one example, explain how fossils provide evidence for evolution.

Answer

The remains of dead animals or plants that lived in the remote past are known as fossils. The fossils provide evidence of evolution.
For example: a fossil bird called Archaeopteryx looks like a bird but it has many features which are found in reptiles. This is because Archaeopteryx has feathered wings like those of birds but teeth and tail like those of reptiles. Therefore, Archaeopteryx is a connecting link between the reptiles and birds and suggests that birds have evolved from reptiles. Thus, fossils provide evidence that the present plants and animals have originated from the previously existing ones through the process of continuous evolution.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free

Similar questions

Draw the ray diagram and also state the position, relative size and nature of the image formed by a concave mirror when the object is placed between its centre of curvature, C and the focus, F.
  1. Give the evidence that the birds have evolved from reptiles.
  2. Insects, octopus, planaria and vertebrates possess eyes. Can we group these animals together on the basis of eyes that they possess? Justify your answer giving reason.
How are we able to see nearby and also the distant objects clearly?
How would a pencil look like if you saw it through (a) a concave lens, and (b) a convex lens? (Assume the pencil is close to the lens). Is the image real or virtual?
What are homologous series of carbon compounds? Write the molecular formula of two consecutive members of homologous series of aldehydes. State which part of these compounds determines their (i) physical and (ii) chemical properties.
A p.d. of 6V is applied to two resistors of $3 Ω$ and $6 Ω$ connected in parallel. Calculate:
The combined resistance.
The current flowing in the main circuit.
The current flowing in the $3 Ω$ resistor.
What is the probability of a girl or a boy being born in a family? Justify your answer.
What are isomers? Draw the structures of two isomers of butane, $C _4 H _{10}$. Why can't we have isomers of first three members of alkane series?
How will you use two identical prisms so that a narrow beam of white light incident on one prism emerges out of the second prism as white light? Draw the diagram.
Name the reaction which is usually used in the conversion of vegetable oils to fats. Explain the reaction involved in detail. Write a chemical equation to illustrate your answer.