The Fossil Record and the Origin of Life

In order to learn more about life's history on Earth, scientists study fossils, which are remains or imprints of organisms from the past. These fossils can provide vast amounts of information about when, where, and how an organism lived. These clues can then provide insight about organisms that are living today. In this topic, you will study how scientists use the fossil record to study the history of living things. You will also discover how scientists believe life began on Earth.

Essential Question

• How do scientists use the fossil record to study organisms from the past?