Rock moves outward, A crack forms, Magma pushes upward, Magma hardens
The Punctuated Equilibrium theory proposes that a specie that appears in the fossil record will become stable. To support this theory, a fossil record serves as an evidence which includes transitional fossils. Transitional fossils refers to the remains of an organism that still exhibit traits to both the ancestral and descendant group.
The sun is a vital part of the earth, so if it changes energy levels, it will clearly have an affect on the earth. If the energy increases, it'll most likely dry out the grass and melt the snow, etc. If it decreases, the snow could freeze and change the climate.