Which of the following, if discovered, could refute our current understanding of the pattern of evolution?
A) no fossils of soft-bodied animals
B) a modern bird having reptile-like scales on its legs
C) radioactive dating of rocks showing that rocks closer to the Earth's surface are younger than lower rock strata
D) diverse fossils of mammals in Precambrian rock

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The discovery of diverse fossils of mammals in Precambrian rock would completely contradict our current understanding of the pattern of evolution, as mammals are not known to have existed during the Precambrian era (which occurred over 541 million years ago). This discovery would challenge the entire timeline and progression of evolution as we know it. The other options may offer additional information or challenges to specific aspects of evolution, but they would not outright refute our current understanding of the pattern of evolution.

Which of the Following, If Discovered, Could Refute Our Current