Scientists find a fossil (Fossil A) in a deep layer of sedimentary rock. They determine that Fossil A is the remains of a species never seen before. A few years later, other scientists
discover a similar fossil (Fossil B) in a layer of sedimentary rock closer to Earth's surface.
Fossil A and Fossil B share some characteristics, but it is determined that they are not closely
related and that Fossil B is a different species. One hundred years later, scientists discover
another similar fossil (Fossil C) in a layer of sedimentary rock between those in which Fossils
A and B were found. Upon cxamining all three fossils, scientists reach the conclusion that all
three fossils represent the same species. They determine that Fossil B (found in the shallowest
rock layer) evolved from Fossil C (found in an intermediary layer), which evolved from Fossil
A (found in the deepest rock layer). Which statement BEST describes this scenario?
Very little can be learned about the evolution of a species by examining the fossil
record.
Early fossil researchers did not understand the information provided by the fossil
record.
The fossil record provides trace evidence for the long history of changing life forms.
Theories about the fossil record do not change based on finding new evidence