Question

Analyse data from the fossil record to observe past ecosystems and changes in biotic and abiotic components:

a) Fossil record analysis provides no information about past ecosystems
b) Fossil data only reflects changes in biotic components
c) Fossil record helps understand both biotic and abiotic changes
d) Fossil records are unreliable for understanding past ecosystems

Answer 1

The fossil record helps understand both biotic and abiotic changes in past ecosystems by providing evidence of evolutionary changes over time and insights into predator-prey relationships, climate, and ancient habitats.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fossil record helps understand both biotic and abiotic changes in past ecosystems. Fossils provide solid evidence of how organisms from the past differ from present-day organisms and show the gradual evolutionary changes over time. Scientists use fossils to determine the age of organisms and categorize them to understand when they lived relative to each other. By studying fossils, scientists can gain insights into past ecosystems, such as predator-prey relationships, climate, and ancient habitats.