Science Common Sense

875 - How do fossils help us understand the history of life on Earth?

Fossils are the remains or imprints of ancient animals and plants. They help us understand the history of life on Earth in several ways:

1. Timeline of life: Fossils show us what lived long ago and when they lived. By finding fossils in layers of rock, we can see how life has changed over time.

2. Evolution: By comparing fossils of old species to their modern relatives, we can see how life has evolved and changed over millions of years.

3. Environment: Fossils can tell us about the environments of the past, such as oceans, forests, or deserts. This helps us understand how the Earth's climate and geography have changed.

4. Extinction: Fossils can also tell us about species that are now extinct. This helps us learn why some species went extinct and how it might affect life on Earth today.

In short, fossils are like a puzzle that helps us uncover the history of life on Earth.