Lesson 2.1: The Cambrian Explosion

In this lesson, you will visit the best preserved and most important fossil formations in the world—the Burgess Shale in British Columbia.

• Read pages 330 and 331 of the textbook. Answer the questions as you encounter them.

Check your answers with those in the “Practice Answers” in the online course.

You may have the impression that fossils provide a clear picture of organisms from the ancient past. However, the evidence left by fossils is sometimes very limited either in quality or in quantity. The more limited the evidence, the more interpretation plays a role in coming to conclusions about an organism’s structure and lifestyle. Interpretations will vary. That’s what the next investigation shows.

 

• Read the remainder of page 333 of the textbook, as well as pages 334 and 335, ending at “2.1 Summary”. Answer the questions as you encounter them.
  
  Check your answers with those in the “Practice Answers” in the online course.


• Read “2.1 Summary” on page 335 of the textbook. Then, complete “2.1 Questions”.
  
  Check your answers with those in the “Practice Answers” in the online course.

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Go to Assignment 2.1: The Cambrian Explosion.