Paleontology is key to the study of evolution for two reasons. The discovery of fossils showing forms of animals that had never previously been seen began to cast serious doubt upon creationist theories. Fossils provide the only direct evidence of the history of evolution.

How does paleontology prove evolution?

Fossils can also provide evidence of the evolutionary history of organisms. Paleontologists infer that whales evolved from land-dwelling animals, for instance. Fossils of extinct animals closely related to whales have front limbs like paddles, similar to front legs. They even have tiny back limbs.

How does paleontology support the theory of evolution by natural selection?

The field of paleontology is important to the support and understanding of evolution. This is the study of prehistoric life, including fossils, footprints, and past climatic events. ... We can visually see how organisms evolved over time, but we can also use radiometric dating to determine the age of rock and fossils.