Chapter 16, Problem S14.2BYB

Summary Introduction

To write:

Role of fossil records and comparative anatomy in evolutionary change.

Introduction:

Evolution is defined as the variation that occurs due to a change in the hereditary characteristics among biological population over successive generations. Evolution causes biodiversity among the species and individual organisms. It can be studied by the evidence present in the existing and ancient living organism. Some of these are fossil evidence, genetic evidence, biochemical evidence, comparative embryology, and comparative anatomy.

Explanation of Solution

Role of fossil records: Fossils are mainly the remaining parts or traces of the organisms living in the past. The fossils found from various strata can be compared for different time periods. Fossils show that there existed some intermediate species, which are no longer inhabited the Earth. Using the fossil records, the changes in a lineage that have led to modern-day species and the branching or family tree can be made.

Role of comparative anatomy: The comparison of body parts of various species gives an idea of a common ancestor. The closely related species that have anatomical similarity with common structures show that modifications are done to serve different purposes. Example: the homologies are an indication that the species have diverged from a common ancestor and have adapted the basic limb to serve different needs.

Conclusion

The lineage of the present and extinct species can be inferred by comparing their anatomy. The fossil record and anatomical comparison gives information of the past and describes the evolution over millions of years.