Fossils are like nature's time machines. They hold secrets about how life has changed over millions of years. Here's how they help us learn about the Tree of Life:
Family Connections: When scientists study fossils, they can figure out how different animals and plants are related. For example, bird skeletons and dinosaur bones have similar features, which means they share a common ancestor.
Linking Traits: Fossils can show us features that connect different groups of living things. Take the Archaeopteryx, for instance. It had feathers like a bird but also had teeth like a reptile, showing a link between these two groups.
Living History: Fossils help scientists know when different species existed. This way, they can piece together a timeline of how life has evolved over time.
In short, fossils are super important for helping us understand the complex network of life on Earth. They help us group plants and animals and uncover their relationships!
Fossils are like nature's time machines. They hold secrets about how life has changed over millions of years. Here's how they help us learn about the Tree of Life:
Family Connections: When scientists study fossils, they can figure out how different animals and plants are related. For example, bird skeletons and dinosaur bones have similar features, which means they share a common ancestor.
Linking Traits: Fossils can show us features that connect different groups of living things. Take the Archaeopteryx, for instance. It had feathers like a bird but also had teeth like a reptile, showing a link between these two groups.
Living History: Fossils help scientists know when different species existed. This way, they can piece together a timeline of how life has evolved over time.
In short, fossils are super important for helping us understand the complex network of life on Earth. They help us group plants and animals and uncover their relationships!