Chapter6—LifeonEarthWhatdoFossilsReveal.doc

Chapter 6—Life on Earth: What do Fossils Reveal? Chapter 6—Life on Earth: What do Fossils Reveal? CHAPTER OVERVIEW This chapter discusses what fossils are and how they are preserved. It also reflects some of the earliest findings and history providing support for organic evolution by laying the foundation for paleontology, i.e. Lamark’s theory, Darwin’s theory of natural selection, Mendelian principles of inheritance, while providing newer views on mutations and their importance. A clear case supporting evolution is made using paleontological evidence. The final sections of the chapter illustrate how fossils are used to correlate rock units and establish index fossils. In addition, there is detailed discussion regarding how fossils are used to indicate paleogeography, past climates, and give us some clues to the history of life on Earth. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By reading and completing information within this chapter, you should gain an understanding of the following concepts: Explain the processes by which fossils are preserved, i.e. permineralization, replacement carbonization, etc. Discuss the purpose and use of biological classification in understanding the concept of organic evolution. Discuss how natural selection, inheritance, and mutation can be used in explaining organic evolution. Discuss how fossils may be used to define and correlate paleoecological zones, and as indicators of past environmental conditions. CHAPTER OUTLINE Fossils: Surviving Records of Past Life How Does Life of the Past Become Preserved Three Common Preservation Processes Molds and Casts Sometimes Only Traces Remain Why Are Some Fossils Rare, Yet Others Abundant Figuring Out How Life Is Organized Linnaeus Leads the Way What Is a Species? What Is Taxonomy? Evolution: Continuous Changes in Life Lamark’s Flawed Hypothesis Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection Inheritance, Genes, and DNA Cell Division and Reproduction: Bringing Variety to Offspring Mutation: Source of Variations Species, Popul