Scientists often identify new species while working in museum fossil collections. Thirty-one species, which are now extinct were recently identified in a museum's collections by researchers at the University of Florida. What is the most likely reason that scientists examine the fossils of extinct species?

Question

Scientists often identify new species while working in museum fossil collections. Thirty-one species, which are now extinct were recently identified in a museum's collections by researchers at the University of Florida. What is the most likely reason that scientists examine the fossils of extinct species?

Scientists want to connect past species to current species to show extinction never occurred.

Scientists believe that understanding the past biodiversity in an area will reveal insight into future extinctions.

Scientist have documented all species currently living, this is why they have turned to examining fossils from extinct species.

Scientists have partnered with museums to add to their collections, by researching fossilized plants and animals that are believed to be extinct.

Answer 1

The most likely reason that scientists examine the fossils of extinct species is because they believe that understanding the past biodiversity in an area will reveal insight into future extinctions. By studying extinct species, scientists can learn about environmental changes, evolutionary patterns, and potential causes of extinction, which can help inform conservation efforts and predictions for the future.