Question

Chemical analysis of the oxygen isotopes in foraminifera shells allow scientists to create a climate record like the one shown here. The chemical composition of shells depends on the temperature of the surrounding water and the presence or absence of large polar ice sheets. Fossil data like this indicates that A) only simple organisms on Earth are subject to change over time. B) climatic changes can definitely influence changes in life forms. C) change in life forms is more likely to change in marine habitats. D) climatic change does not necessarily result in change in life forms.

Answer 1

Chemical analysis of the oxygen isotopes in foraminifera shells allows scientists to create a climate record, showing that climatic changes can influence changes in life forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best represents the question is option B) climatic changes can definitely influence changes in life forms. Chemical analysis of the oxygen isotopes in foraminifera shells allows scientists to create a climate record. The chemical composition of the shells depends on the temperature of the surrounding water and the presence or absence of large polar ice sheets. By studying the isotopic composition of these shells, scientists can infer past climate conditions and how they have influenced the evolution of life forms.

Answer 2

Option (B)

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxygen isotope ratios are often used from water that are stored in the glaciers and the oxygen that are absorbed in the shells of the marine flora and fauna. This ratio is used to determine the past climate and rainfall.

The data obtained by calculating this ratios demarcates that the changes in the climatic condition definitely affects the changes in the life forms. If organisms existing in a warm climate are suddenly allowed to experience a colder type of climate, then these organisms have to adapt to that environment for their survival. Due to this adaptation, the organisms undergo certain changes in them, thereby undergoing the process of evolution.

Thus, changes in the life form occurs due to the changing environmental and climatic conditions.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).