# Describe how the fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.4.2 Evolution and natural selection · Describe · 4 marks

> Scientists have studied fossils of horse-like animals found in rock layers of different ages. The oldest fossils show small animals with several toes, whilst more recent fossils show larger animals with a single hoof.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fossils are the remains or impressions of dead organisms found in rocks that are millions of years old
2. Fossils in older/deeper rock layers show organisms with different (inherited) characteristics to those in more recent layers, showing change over time
3. The sequence of fossils shows a gradual change in the population's inherited characteristics over time (consistent with the definition of evolution)
4. The more similar the fossils are (in terms of characteristics/DNA/structure), the more closely related the organisms are, showing evolutionary relationships

## Key terms

- [fossil record](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fossil-record)
- [evolution](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/evolution)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-fossil-record-provides-49aaa51d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.