[Campbell Biology P.523] Based on the provided text, which statement best explains the signi... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, which statement best explains the significance of extinction and the fossil record in understanding evolutionary history, particularly concerning 'morphological gaps'?

  • A: Extinction primarily creates large gaps that prevent a complete understanding of evolutionary relationships.
  • B: The vast majority of species that ever lived are still extant, making morphological gaps rare.
  • C: Fossils of extinct species help to 'fill in' morphological gaps by documenting the divergence of present-day groups from their ancestors.
  • D: Morphological gaps are always due to a lack of fossil evidence, indicating that no intermediate forms ever existed.

Explanation

The text highlights that 'Extinctions like those in Figure 22.8 are common' and 'As in Figure 22.8, fossils of extinct species can document the divergence of present-day groups by "filling in" gaps between them.' This clarifies that fossils of extinct species provide the necessary evidence to bridge apparent morphological gaps caused by extinction.