Fossils are used in scientific research to provide insights into past life forms and the evolutionary history of organisms. They serve as evidence of ancient species, their characteristics, and the environments they inhabited. Fossils can help scientists understand geological periods, changes in climate, and the processes of evolution. Moreover, they are essential in fields such as paleontology, archaeology, and geology, aiding in reconstructing the history of life on Earth and informing about past biodiversity and extinction events.