Which of the statement is incorrect w.r.t paleontology ?

Options

A. Fossil record helps in tracking the ancestry of some animals
B. Paleontology helps in tracking the ancestry of some animals
C. If we proceed from recent to earliest rocks fossils forms become more and more complex
D. None of these

Answer

To determine which statement is incorrect with respect to paleontology, we need to analyze the basic principles of paleontology and the fossil record. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Paleontology
Paleontology is the study of fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past. This study helps scientists understand the history of life on Earth.

**Hint:** Remember that paleontology focuses on fossils and their significance in understanding historical life forms.

### Step 2: Know the Process of Fossil Formation
When organisms die, they decompose. However, some organisms with hard parts (like bones, teeth, and shells) can become fossils if they are buried under sediment and preserved over time.

**Hint:** Think about what conditions are necessary for fossilization to occur.

### Step 3: Recognize the Geological Time Scale
Fossils are found in layers of rock, and these layers represent different geological time periods. The deeper the layer, the older the fossils it contains. Earlier fossils are generally simpler in structure compared to later ones.

**Hint:** Consider how the arrangement of rock layers can indicate the age of fossils.

### Step 4: Analyze the Statements
1. **Statement 1:** Fossil record helps in tracking ancestry - This is correct.
2. **Statement 2:** Paleontology helps in tracking the ancestry of some animals - This is also correct.
3. **Statement 3:** If we proceed from recent to earliest rocks, fossil forms become more complex - This is incorrect. In fact, as we go from older to more recent rocks, the complexity of fossil forms increases.

**Hint:** Compare the complexity of fossils in older versus newer rock layers to identify the incorrect statement.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The incorrect statement with respect to paleontology is the third one: "If we proceed from recent to earliest rocks, fossil forms become more complex." This is incorrect because earlier fossils are generally simpler, while more complex forms appear in more recent layers.

**Final Answer:** The incorrect statement is the third one.