Final answer:
Scientists study fossils to learn about evolution, as they provide evidence of how species have evolved over time. Paleontologists analyze the fossil record, which includes the changes in morphology and the software played a critical role in mapping the evolutionary tree of species. The study of fossils thus helps construct a detailed narrative of biological evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists can understand and learn about evolution by studying, specifically, fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or imprints of organisms from the distant past, providing clear evidence that evolution has occurred. Paleontologists are scientists who study fossils to learn about life in the past and to understand how species have evolved over time. Through the study of fossils, we see the changes in morphology and geographic distribution of organisms, which informs the understanding of evolutionary processes. Additionally, fossils contribute to the construction of a species' phylogenetic tree which represents the evolutionary pathways and relationships.
Looking at the fossil record, for example, one can observe the evolution of the horse and how its form has changed over millions of years, offering a detailed narrative of biological evolution. This record also enables scientists to place when species existed relative to others, helping to establish a timeline of evolutionary history. Evolution is further supported by a number of scientific disciplines, including geology, morphology, and molecular biology, among others.