A few questions I have about darwin and evolution/fossils. Thx!!
Why did Darwin call species like the coelacanth living fossils?
On a branching tree diagram, where would the coelacanths be placed?
What can animals... no species like the coelacanth tell people about the past?
XoxKattxoX
Hello XoxKattxoX! I'm here to answer your questions about Darwin, evolution, and fossils. Let's start with your first question:
1. Why did Darwin call species like the coelacanth living fossils?
Charles Darwin used the term "living fossils" to describe species that have remained relatively unchanged over long periods of time. The coelacanth is one example, as it is a prehistoric fish that has survived for millions of years virtually unchanged. Darwin used this term to emphasize the concept of "stasis," which means that some species remain largely the same over very long periods of time, without significant evolutionary changes.
2. On a branching tree diagram, where would the coelacanths be placed?
In a branching tree diagram, also known as a phylogenetic tree, species are represented by branches that connect to a common ancestor. The placement of coelacanths on a phylogenetic tree depends on their evolutionary relationships with other species. Coelacanths are fish, so they would be placed within the fish group on the tree, likely branching off from a common ancestor with other fish species.
3. What can species like the coelacanth tell people about the past?
Species like the coelacanth can provide valuable insights into the past because they have been relatively unchanged for millions of years. By studying these living fossils, scientists can learn about the characteristics, behaviors, and environmental conditions that allowed these species to survive over such a long time span. Additionally, the discovery of living fossils sometimes challenges our understanding of evolutionary processes and helps us refine our theories about how species evolve and change over time.
I hope these answers help clarify your questions about Darwin, evolution, and fossils! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.