Final answer:
The appearance of modern animals assists paleontologists by offering a comparison to extinct species in the fossil record, helping them to understand evolutionary progressions and ecological histories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outward appearance of modern animals aids paleontologists by providing a comparative framework for understanding the anatomy and adaptations of extinct species found in the fossil record. For instance, the structure of whale flippers, which shares similarities with the appendages of birds and mammals, suggests a common ancestry and helps scientists create hypotheses about evolution. By contrasting the physical traits of modern species with those seen in fossils, paleontologists gain insights into evolutionary progressions, develop reconstructed paleoenvironments, and explore paleoecology, which offers clues about historical climates, ecosystems, and species interactions.
Although traditional methods remain crucial, current technological advancements like computed tomography (CT) have revolutionized paleontology by allowing detailed examination of fossils' internal structures. These evolving techniques contribute to a more sophisticated understanding of ancient life and provide stronger connections between the features of extinct species and their modern descendants.