How can evolutionary processes that we measure today inform our interpretations of evolutionary changes seen in the fossil record

during the process of dna replication, brdu can replace thymidine and incorporate into the newly synthesized dna, cell proliferation thus can be reflected in the extent of brdu incorporation.

the answer to your question is tooth decay.

those characteristics are cellular organization, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, response to stimuli, growth and development, and adaptation through evolution. some things, such as a virus, demonstrate only a few of these characteristics and are, therefore, not alive