What does the fossil record demonstrate?

The fossil record is an invaluable source of information about the history of life on Earth, providing a chronological sequence of the development and changes in organisms over vast periods of time. It documents the physical characteristics of various species at different moments in history, demonstrating how they have evolved, adapted, or gone extinct. Through the study of fossils, scientists can observe patterns of change, such as the emergence of new traits or forms and the transition from one species to another, illustrating the process of evolution.

While the fossil record can give hints about ancient diets and some geographical distributions, it does not provide a complete or precise enumeration of species that existed or detailed dietary habits. Instead, it focuses on the overall trajectory of life through the modifications of form, function, and diversity of organisms throughout Earth's history, firmly establishing the concept that life is dynamic and continually changing.