Which statement would demonstrate that fossils show evolutionary change?

• A. The fossils are located in the same geographic area.
• B. The fossils have some structural similarities to modern horses.
• C. The fossils are completely identical to modern horses.
• D. The fossils show progression of similar structures from ancient to modern horses.

Answer: (D)

Fossils show evolutionary change by revealing how forms change over long periods, building a picture of a lineage over time. The statement that fossils display a progression of similar structures from ancient to modern horses captures that idea: you can see older horse fossils with different limb shapes, sizes, and features that gradually become more like those of today’s horses. That step-by-step progression demonstrates how traits can evolve in a lineage, showing descent with modification.

Geographic location alone doesn’t demonstrate change over time, and finding fossils that are only somewhat similar to modern horses shows relatedness but not a timeline of transformation. If fossils were identical to modern horses, that would imply no change at all.