Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

paleontology

noun
/ˌpeɪliɒnˈtɒlədʒi/
Definition
The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.
Examples
  • Paleontology has provided valuable insights into ancient ecosystems.
  • Scientists in paleontology work hard to uncover fossilized remains to learn about extinct species.
  • The discovery of a new dinosaur species can be a significant achievement in the field of paleontology.
Meaning
Paleontology explores the fossil record to understand how organisms lived, evolved, and became extinct.
Synonyms
  • Fossil science
  • Historical biology
  • Geobiology