Question

evidence for evolution: fossils
these are actually fossils of the forefeet of ancestors of the modern horse. by studying them, we can learn more about the evolution of the horse.

1. describe how the forefeet of early horses are different to the forefeet of modern horses.
2. what happened to the size of the horse as it evolved? support your answer with evidence.
3. how does the horse fossil record support the theory of evolution?

Explanation:

1. Early horses had multiple - toed forefeet, while modern horses have a single - toed hoof (a large central digit with reduced or absent side digits). Fossil evidence shows a progression from more toes to one toe.
2. The size of the horse increased as it evolved. Fossils of early horse ancestors like Eohippus were small, dog - sized animals. As we move through the fossil record to modern horses like Equus, they are much larger. This increase in size is seen in the larger body bones and longer limb bones in more recent horse fossils.
3. The horse fossil record shows a clear sequence of anatomical changes over time. There is a gradual change in the number of toes, size, and other skeletal features. This sequence of transitional forms supports the idea that species change over time through the process of evolution, as predicted by the theory of evolution.

Answer:

1. Early horses had multiple toes on their forefeet, modern horses have a single - toed hoof.
2. The size of the horse increased. Early horse ancestors like Eohippus were small, while modern horses like Equus are large.
3. It shows a sequence of anatomical changes over time with transitional forms, supporting species change through evolution.