Why do scientists claim they have found the fossils of a “new species” when it could just be a deformed individual of an aleady discovered one?
The chances of a seriously deformed individual surviving long past birth are pretty small. If it's an injury that healed wrong, the bone itself usually looks weird texture wise. It's possible for more mildly deformed individuals to grow up and then become fossilized, but the chances of that are t…
The Short Answer
The chances of a seriously deformed individual surviving long past birth are pretty small. If it's an injury that healed wrong, the bone itself usually looks weird texture wise. It's possible for more mildly deformed individuals to grow up and then become fossilized, but the chances of that are thought to be pretty low. > it seems that smallest difference makes them say it's a new species. This isn't really visible to the general public, but scientists argue all the time about whether fossils represent new species or the same species. They even have funny names for each side, lumpers and splitters.
Analysis
Key Concepts: It's, species, chances
This explanation focuses on it's, species, chances and spans 102 words across 6 sentences. At 42% above the average Biology explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “The chances of a seriously deformed individual surviving long past birth are pretty small.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 6 connected points.
How This Compares in Biology
Ranked #121 of 500 Biology questions by answer depth (top 25%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why scientists claim they have found the fossils of a "new species" when it could just be a deformed individual of an aleady discovered one?
The chances of a seriously deformed individual surviving long past birth are pretty small. If it's an injury that healed wrong, the bone itself usually looks weird texture wise. It's possible for more mildly deformed individuals to grow up and then…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Biology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 102 words, ranked #121 of 500 Biology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are it's, species, chances.
What approach does this answer take to explain scientists claim they have found the fossils of a "new speci?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives and scientific references across 102 words. It is categorized under Biology and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.