Which of the following patterns do scientists commonly identify in the fossil record?

Eliminate incorrect options: For example, 'A lack of any chronological order in fossil layers' is incorrect because fossil layers are arranged chronologically, with older layers typically found deeper. Similarly, 'The constant presence of all species throughout Earth's history' is incorrect because species appear and go extinct over time.

Clarify transitional forms: While transitional forms may not always be abundant, they do exist and provide evidence for evolutionary changes between major groups. The absence of transitional forms is not a common pattern in the fossil record.