paleontology

[pey-lee-on-tol-uh-jee]

paleontology Definition

the scientific study of prehistoric life and the history of the earth through the examination of fossils.

Using paleontology: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "paleontology" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The museum has a large collection of dinosaur fossils for paleontologists to study.

  • Example

    Paleontology is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, geology, and chemistry.

  • Example

    The discovery of a new species of ancient reptile has excited paleontologists around the world.

paleontology Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for paleontology

Phrases with paleontology

  • the study of the fossilized remains of animals with backbones

    Example

    Vertebrate paleontology is a subfield of paleontology that focuses on the study of the evolution and diversity of vertebrates.

  • the study of microscopic fossils, including bacteria, algae, and protozoa

    Example

    Micropaleontology is an important tool for understanding the evolution of life on Earth, especially in the early stages of its development.

  • the study of fossilized plants

    Example

    Paleobotany provides valuable insights into the evolution of plant life on Earth, including the development of forests and the rise of flowering plants.

Origins of paleontology

from Greek 'palaios', meaning 'old' or 'ancient', and 'logos', meaning 'study'

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Summary: paleontology in Brief

Paleontology [pey-lee-on-tol-uh-jee] is the scientific study of prehistoric life and the history of the earth through the examination of fossils. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, geology, and chemistry. Paleontology includes subfields like vertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, and paleobotany, which respectively study the fossilized remains of animals with backbones, microscopic fossils, and fossilized plants.