No, fossils are not used specifically to determine the number of mutations that occurred in a species over time. Fossils are primarily used by paleontologists to study and understand the past biodiversity and evolutionary history of organisms. They provide evidence of past life forms, their anatomy, behaviors, and environments. By studying fossils, scientists gain insights into the evolution, extinction, and diversification of species. Determining the number of mutations that occurred in a species over time often relies on genetic analysis and comparisons rather than fossil evidence.
