The fossil record provides evidence for evolution
I can describe how the fossil record provides evidence that the features of species change (evolve) over time.
The fossil record provides evidence for evolution
I can describe how the fossil record provides evidence that the features of species change (evolve) over time.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The fossil record is made up of millions of fossils aged from 10,000 to billions of years old.
- Fossils show that some species have gone extinct.
- Fossils show that the features of some species have changed (evolved) over time.
- An example of a series of fossils showing changes from evolutionary ancestors to modern species (e.g. whales).
Keywords
Fossil - Fossils are the mineralised remains of once-living organisms, or of traces left behind by organisms.
Fossil record - All the fossils ever found, and their ages, provide a body of evidence called the fossil record.
Extinct - An extinct species has no living members.
Evolution - The process in which the characteristics of species change over many generations, sometimes becoming new species.
Common misconception
Students often struggle to remember that any organism (not just animals) can become a fossil
This is addressed in the lesson by including examples of fossilised plant and cell material. The first practice task also addresses this misconception.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the mineralised remains of a single dead organism
all the fossils ever found and their ages
changes in the characteristics of a species over many generations
