Question

Indiana is home to fossilized crinoids. These small, sea-dwelling invertebrates are vaguely reminiscent of starfish, and some species of crinoid are still present on Earth today, but these animals were especially common in the world's oceans about 400 million years ago. How is this information important to the theory of evolution?

Answer 1

The presence of crinoid fossils in Indiana provides evidence that populations have changed over time.

Answer 2

Crinoids are echinoderms which are closely related to starfish, Sea Urchins and brittle stars. Some of the Crinoids which are found till today have evolved some 420 million years ago. By studying Crinoids, a relation can be established in terms of evolutionary changes that have occurred or have been adopted by the species itself during a certain course of time. Also a relations could also be established to work out the changing climatic conditions since 420 million years ago.