Paleontological data analysis Rather than basing conclusions on single well conserved fossil paleontologists today will sample all available specimens and use a range of different statistical methods to analyze them. While powerful software tools have become available that are tailored to the needs of paleontologists their mastery still requires a sound understanding of statistical methods and their limitations e. g. the statistical bias introduced by the fact that some organisms fossilize more readily than others thereby making it appear they were a dominant species when in effect they were not