Studying extinct species gives us important clues about how evolution works today. Here’s how it helps us understand better:
Fossil Records: Fossils are the remains of living things from long ago. They show us how one species can change into another over time. For instance, when we look at whale fossils, we can see how they slowly changed from animals that lived on land to creatures that live in water. This helps us see the steps in evolution more clearly.
Biogeography: This is about where fossils are found on Earth. By studying fossils from different places, we can learn how species changed to survive in their environments. When we look at extinct species in certain areas, we can learn about how they affected the evolution of living species in those same places.
Comparative Anatomy: This means comparing the body structures of extinct and living species. By looking at the bones of extinct animals and comparing them to modern ones, we can find out if they share common ancestors. For example, the arm bones of bats and whales are quite similar, even though they serve different purposes.
In summary, extinct species give us important information that helps us understand how evolution works!
Studying extinct species gives us important clues about how evolution works today. Here’s how it helps us understand better:
Fossil Records: Fossils are the remains of living things from long ago. They show us how one species can change into another over time. For instance, when we look at whale fossils, we can see how they slowly changed from animals that lived on land to creatures that live in water. This helps us see the steps in evolution more clearly.
Biogeography: This is about where fossils are found on Earth. By studying fossils from different places, we can learn how species changed to survive in their environments. When we look at extinct species in certain areas, we can learn about how they affected the evolution of living species in those same places.
Comparative Anatomy: This means comparing the body structures of extinct and living species. By looking at the bones of extinct animals and comparing them to modern ones, we can find out if they share common ancestors. For example, the arm bones of bats and whales are quite similar, even though they serve different purposes.
In summary, extinct species give us important information that helps us understand how evolution works!