Palaeontology is the study of fossils, which are preserved remains or traces of ancient life. Fossils provide direct evidence of how organisms have changed over millions of years.
Types of Fossil Evidence:
Transitional Fossils: These show intermediate forms between ancient and modern species. Example: Archaeopteryx, which had both reptilian (teeth, claws) and avian (feathers, wings) characteristics.
Fossil Record: Fossils are found in different layers of rock, showing progressive changes in species over time. Older fossils are simpler, while newer fossils are more complex.
Comparative Fossils: Some fossils show similarities between extinct and living species, suggesting evolutionary relationships. Example: Fossils of early horses show gradual changes in limb structure leading to modern horses.
Importance of Fossils in Evolution:
They provide a historical timeline of life on Earth.
They support the concept of descent with modification, where species evolve from common ancestors.
They help scientists understand extinction events and how species adapted to environmental changes.
Palaeontology remains one of the strongest sources of evidence supporting the theory of evolution.