The changes recorded in transitional fossils may be caused by a variety of factors, including natural selection, genetic mutation, changes in environmental conditions or pressures, and genetic drift. These factors can lead to the emergence of new traits, the development of new or modified structures, and shifts in the distribution and diversity of species over time. Additionally, some transitional fossils may represent a hybridization between different species, which can also contribute to changes in form and function. Ultimately, the specific causes of these changes will depend on the particular fossil and the context in which it is found.
