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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Video
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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
