Evolution: Darwin was wrong about this, science adapts

Despite their gaps, fossil records can still unlock the secrets of evolution. Researchers reveal how the irregularity of missing fossils influences our understanding.

A team of scientists from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom explored the impact of incomplete fossil records on reconstructing evolutionary history. Contrary to Darwin's fears, the researchers found that the inconsistency of gaps (absence of fossils - see at the end of the article) is more problematic than their mere existence.


Computer simulations, combining geological processes and evolutionary models, allowed researchers to study how variations in sea level and carbonate deposits influence fossil records. These simulations revealed that even with many missing data points, regularity in these gaps enables precise reconstruction of evolutionary history.

Niklas Hohmann, who led the study at Utrecht University, explained that the irregularity of gaps in the fossil record could severely bias the results of evolutionary reconstruction. This opposes the mere existence of these gaps, which, if regular, do not pose a significant problem.

The researchers also used these simulations to test different modes of evolution and found that results varied according to stratigraphic architecture and sea level curves. Thus, they were able to determine that Darwin's theory remains robust despite the imperfections of geologic records.

The study concludes that although fossil records are not complete, our understanding of geological processes helps bridge these gaps and provides an accurate picture of long-term evolution.

What are gaps in the fossil record?

Gaps in the fossil record refer to periods of time for which no fossils have been preserved or discovered. They can occur for various reasons, including erosion of the rocks containing the fossils, geological conditions unfavorable to fossilization, or simply the lack of discovery of these fossils by researchers.

These interruptions in the fossil record can be irregular or regular. If the gaps are regular, it is often possible to accurately reconstruct evolutionary history despite the absence of some data. In contrast, irregular gaps can bias the results, making it difficult to interpret evolutionary processes over long periods.