What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paleontology
Example
The paleontologist discovered a new species of dinosaur. [paleontologist: noun]
Example
The study of paleontology helps us understand the evolution of life on Earth. [paleontology: noun]
paleobiology
Example
Paleobiology helps us understand how ancient organisms lived and evolved. [paleobiology: noun]
Example
The paleobiologist analyzed the fossilized bones to learn more about the ancient animal's behavior. [paleobiologist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paleontology is more commonly used than paleobiology in everyday language. Paleontology is a well-established field with a long history of research, while paleobiology is a relatively new field that emerged in the 1980s.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paleontology and paleobiology?
Both paleontology and paleobiology are formal terms used in scientific contexts. However, paleontology is more widely recognized and has a longer history of use, making it a more established and formal term.
