The fossil record resembles the living species in the same geographic area. How does this pattern support the theory of evolution by natural selection?

The correct answer will be - species can change over time (assuming options are present)

Explanation:

The theory of evolution by natural selection by Charles Darwin suggests that species adapt to the changing environment and as a result changes over time.

The remnants of the organism that lived on the Earth gets buried under the earth and gets preserved. These preserved remnants of the organism are called the fossils which are collected and studied to understand the history of life on earth.

If the fossils collected on earth in a geographic area resembles the living species of the same geographic area provides a clue to the theory of natural selection suggesting that species can change over time as a result of natural selection.