Evolution and the Fossil Record by John Pojeta, Jr. and Dale A. Springer. Examples of Evolution (Previous Page || Next Page) The fossil record contains many well-documented examples of the transition from one species into another, as well as the origin of new physical features. Evidence from the fossil record is unique, because it provides a time perspective for understanding the evolution of life on Earth. This perspective is not available from other branches of science or in the other databases that support the study of evolution. This section covers four examples of evolution from the incredibly rich and wonderful fossil record of life on Earth. We've chosen examples of vertebrates, animals with backbones, primarily because most of us identify more easily with this group rather than with sassafras or snails or starfish. However, we could have chosen any of many studies of evolutionary changes seen in fossil plants, invertebrates - animals without backbones such as the Chesapecten scallops (above), or single-celled organisms.
Evolution of vertebrate legs. What is the evidence for evolution? ATT Evolution. Transitional Vertebrate Fossils FAQ. Copyright © 1994-1997 by Kathleen Hunt [Last Update: March 17, 1997] wrote this FAQ as a reference for answering the "there aren't any transitional fossils" statement that pops up on talk.origins several times each year. I've tried to make it an accurate, though highly condensed, summary of known vertebrate fossil history in those lineages that led to familiar modern forms, with the known transitions and with the known major gaps both clearly mentioned.
Version 6.0 of the FAQ has been almost entirely rewritten, with: A completely rewritten introduction & conclusion, discussing what "transitional" means, why gaps occur, and what the fossil record shows. If you have questions about this FAQ or want to send email to the author, click here. Contents PART I has FISHES TO FIRST MAMMALS & BIRDS: PART 2 has transitions among mammals (starting with primates), including numerous species-to-species transitions, discussion, and references. Transitional Vertebrate Fossils FAQ: Part 1A. Copyright © 1994-1997 by Kathleen Hunt [Last Update: March 17, 1997] 1.
Introduction What is a transitional fossil? The term "transitional fossil" is used at least two different ways on talk.origins, often leading to muddled and stalemated arguments. "General lineage": This is a sequence of similar genera or families, linking an older group to a very different younger group. "Species-to-species transition": This is a set of numerous individual fossils that show a change between one species and another. Transitions to New Higher Taxa As you'll see throughout this FAQ, both types of transitions often result in a new "higher taxon" (a new genus, family, order, etc.) from a species belonging to a different, older taxon. There are now several known cases of species-to-species transitions that resulted in the first members of new higher taxa.
Why do gaps exist? Stratigraphic gaps Species-to-species transitions are even harder to document. Discovery of the fossils Getting the word out Some terminology. Zebrafish made to grow pre-hands instead of fins - life - 15 December 2012. Bacteria make major evolutionary shift in the lab - life - 09 June 2008.
A major evolutionary innovation has unfurled right in front of researchers' eyes. It's the first time evolution has been caught in the act of making such a rare and complex new trait. And because the species in question is a bacterium, scientists have been able to replay history to show how this evolutionary novelty grew from the accumulation of unpredictable, chance events. Twenty years ago, evolutionary biologist Richard Lenski of Michigan State University in East Lansing, US, took a single Escherichia coli bacterium and used its descendants to found 12 laboratory populations.
The 12 have been growing ever since, gradually accumulating mutations and evolving for more than 44,000 generations, while Lenski watches what happens. Profound change Mostly, the patterns Lenski saw were similar in each separate population. Indeed, the inability to use citrate is one of the traits by which bacteriologists distinguish E. coli from other species. Rare mutation? Evidence of evolution Promoted Stories. Darwin's Evidence for Evolution. Why the mantis shrimp is my new favorite animal.
TalkOrigins Archive: Exploring the Creation/Evolution Controversy.