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.

What is the relationship between palaeontology and evolution?

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 do paleontologist learn about evolution?

Paleontologists look at fossils, which are the ancient remains of plants, animals, and other living things. ... Paleontologists use fossil remains to understand how species evolve. The theory of evolution says that living species change over a long period of time.