Final answer:
Transitional fossils provide evidence for evolution by showcasing traits of both ancestral and descendant species. They demonstrate gradual changes over time, supporting the concept of gradual evolution. Examples like Archaeopteryx and Tiktaalik highlight the links between reptiles and birds and fish and tetrapods respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transitional fossils play a crucial role in providing evidence for evolution. These fossils are the remains of organisms that show traits of both ancestral and descendant species, serving as a link between them. By studying transitional fossils, scientists can observe the gradual changes in characteristics over time, supporting the concept of gradual evolution.
For example, the fossil record includes transitional forms like Archaeopteryx, which exhibits features of both reptiles and birds, providing evidence for the evolution of birds from reptilian ancestors. Similarly, Tiktaalik is a transitional fossil that shows characteristics of both fish and tetrapods, supporting the evolution of land-dwelling animals from aquatic ancestors.
Overall, transitional fossils provide tangible evidence for the process of evolution, helping to establish the timeline of species development and the interconnections between different groups of organisms.
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