Answer:
The statement that best describes how the fossil record supports the theory of evolution is:
The fossil record reveals intermediates that link different species.
Explanation:
1. Explanation:
- The fossil record provides crucial evidence supporting the theory of evolution by showing a progression of life forms over time and revealing transitional forms or intermediates that link different species.
2. Transitional Fossils:
- Fossils of transitional forms are organisms that display characteristics of both earlier and later species, providing tangible evidence of evolutionary change and the gradual development of new traits.
3. Supporting Evolutionary Processes:
- These transitional fossils help scientists trace the evolutionary pathways of various species, illustrating how organisms have evolved from common ancestors and adapted to changing environments over millions of years.
4. Darwin's Theory of Evolution:
- Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection proposed that species change over time through the process of descent with modification. The fossil record aligns with this concept by demonstrating the gradual transformation of life forms.
5. Scientific Consensus:
- The discovery of transitional fossils in the fossil record has been a significant factor in solidifying the scientific consensus around the theory of evolution and providing tangible evidence of the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
In conclusion, the fossil record's revelation of transitional intermediates linking different species is a key piece of evidence that supports the theory of evolution and illustrates the gradual changes and diversification of life forms over geological time.
