Question

Which one of the following is an advantage of using the fossil record to obtain information about our evolutionary history?

a. The fossil record gives us the information needed to confirm that the Neanderthals were the first bipedal hominins.
b. There is no advantage that the fossil record provides that DNA analysis doesn't also provide.
c. The fossil record gives us the information necessary to define species.
d. The fossil record gives us examples of the intermediate stages of evolution.

Answer 1

The fossil record is advantageous as it provides examples of intermediate evolutionary stages and offers a longer historical perspective, showing morphological changes and helping determine phylogenetic relationships. The correct answer is option d.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advantage of using the fossil record to obtain information about our evolutionary history is that the fossil record provides examples of the intermediate stages of evolution. Unlike DNA analysis, which can be limited due to the degradation of DNA over time, fossils offer a longer historical perspective. The fossil record has been instrumental in piecing together the evolution of various species, including humans and horses, by showing morphological changes over millions of years. It also allows paleontologists to determine when organisms lived relative to each other, which helps in understanding phylogenetic relationships.