Question

How does the fossil record support Darwin’s theories?

Answer 1

Hint: The history of life as documented by fossils, the remains or imprints of organisms preserved in sedimentary rock from earlier geological periods. In a few cases, the original material of the hard sections of the organism is retained, but minerals accumulated from water that passes through the rock have more often replaced the original components.

Complete answer:
Darwin's theory of descent postulates that all life began with a common ancestor that was very primitive and simple and changed to the complexity seen in today's world by random accidental changes.

The simplest fossils were found in the lowest levels when examining the sedimentary fossil layers in England, the higher levels had more complex and advanced fossils. Darwin's idea that life has progressed from the simple to the complex is supported by the fossil record that shows that the simpler fossils are usually found deeper in the world.

However there are many places on earth where the complex is found beneath simpler fossils (thought to be younger fossils) ( thought to be older)

The theory of Darwin postulates that slow incremental changes or minor improvements are enough due to natural selection to account for the changes (evolution) or species needed by Descent with Alteration.

The fossil record does not show the slight improvements that would account for the creation of new phylums, or life genres. Without evidence of the transitions from supposed simpler ancestors, the Cambrian Explosion shows evidence of the major phylums springing into existence.

The failure of Darwin's Slow Gradual Change Theory to locate the supporting fossil evidence contributed to the emergence of the punctuated equilibrium theory as an explanation of how descent may have happened with alteration.

The fossil record in general supports the notion of life progressing from the simple to the complex. The fossil record actually contradicts Darwin's theory of slow gradual accidental modifications directed by natural selection in actual detailed analysis.

Note: Using methods like radiometric dating, palaeontologists can estimate the age of fossils and categorise them to determine the evolutionary relationships between species.