Question

Which statements best describe the fossil record? Check all that apply.

The fossil record is a complete history of all the organisms that have lived on Earth.
The fossil record shows which organisms have a common ancestor.
The fossil record can be used to develop a timeline of Earth’s history.
The fossil record shows which organisms existed at the same time.
The fossil record shows that fossils in lower rock layers are younger than fossils in higher rock layers.

Answer 1

(B,C,D)

Proof:

✕ The fossil record is a complete history of all the organisms that have lived on Earth.

✔ The fossil record shows which organisms have a common ancestor.

✔The fossil record can be used to develop a timeline of Earth’s history.

✔The fossil record shows which organisms existed at the same time.

✕ The fossil record shows that fossils in lower rock layers are younger than fossils in

higher rock layers.

(Edge 2021!)

Answer 2

The fossil record shows which organisms have a common ancestor.

The fossil record can be used to develop a timeline of Earth’s history.

The fossil record shows which organisms existed at the same time.