Well, you state the obvious very well in your edit. But, the qualifying words were already in there. Nobody's claiming that these fossils ARE a common ancestor. The claim is that they MAY BE.
We can all read just fine. Qualifying words are used when they are needed, especially by scientists. And there they are in the article, for everyone to see.
You seem to be surprised that such words are used, and seem to feel the need to point them out to us. Why is that? Do you suppose we cannot read?
MM,
thanks for your post.
I didn't state the obvious. I pointed it out.
I am not surprised. I expected it.
Why did I do it? I assure you it wasn't because
I knew anything about your reading ability at all.
I did it to emphasize a point. And I'm sure you
knew that... :-)
best,
ampu