How is inference related to fossils?

Answer 1

Inference (deduction) is the process of determining a conclusion based on given evidence. Since we often can't know precisely what a prehistoric animal or plant looked like (unless it was completely preserved, as is the case with ice or amber), we have to take what bones, casts, molds, etc. that exist, and infer something about the plant or animal based on the structure and surroundings. For example, based on what we know about structure and function of various anatomies of existing animals, we can infer things about dinosaurs based on the bone structures found in their fossils. We can also determine whether they were predators or prey, whether they hunted or traveled in herds, in what class of animal we can group them, and so forth.

Answer 2

Fossils are evidence of evolution, a fossil record is used to keep record of fossilized organisms that have been identified by scientists. By using the fossil record scientists can thenput together certain organisms and then they comeup with diagrams and theories on how those organisms relate to one another, or how they developed from each other overtime(common ancestors).

Answer 3

fossils can show what the shape and environment of the animal or plant fossil

Answer 4

Fossils show many body parts and characteristics of the animals that they once were. Looking at fossils is much like looking at the creature itself in many ways.

Answer 5

Fossils provide evidence of relatedness between ancient ancestors and modern species in the sense that they provide evidence of primordial features such as vestigial tails.