Step 1: Understanding paleontology.
Paleontology is the study of ancient life forms preserved as fossils. Fossils provide direct evidence of evolution.
Step 2: Analyzing options.
(A) Embryological development: Incorrect — Supports evolution but not paleontological.
(B) Comparative anatomy: Incorrect — Deals with homology/analogy in structures.
(C) Fossils: Correct — Fossils form the basis of paleontology.
(D) Divergent evolution: Incorrect — A concept, not direct evidence.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, paleontological evidence is based on fossils.