Fossils and genes are used to determine
Fossils and genes are used to determine evolutionary relationships and track the history of species. Fossils provide direct evidence of past life forms and allow scientists to compare anatomical features of extinct species to their modern relatives. By analyzing the similarities and differences in fossil records, scientists can construct phylogenetic trees that depict the evolutionary relationships between different species.
Genes, on the other hand, provide molecular evidence of these relationships. DNA sequences can be compared among different species to identify similarities and differences in their genetic makeup. This allows scientists to trace the evolution of specific genes and construct genetic-based phylogenetic trees.
By combining the information obtained from fossils and genes, scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history of species and how they are related to one another. This information is crucial for studying biodiversity, understanding the origins of different groups of organisms, and unraveling the processes involved in species diversification and adaptation.