Question

In three to five sentences, explain how the fossil record provides evidence for the idea of natural selection.(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The fossil record provides evidence for the idea of natural selection by showing the presence of transitional forms. These are organisms that have characteristics of both ancestral and descendant species, indicating a gradual change over time. This supports the concept of natural selection as it suggests that species have evolved from common ancestors through a process of adaptation and modification. Furthermore, the fossil record also exhibits patterns of extinction, showing that certain species were not suited to their changing environments and were therefore unable to survive and reproduce. This demonstrates the idea that the fittest individuals are more likely to pass on their traits to future generations, leading to the gradual evolution of new species.