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palaeontology

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Palaeontology is the study of ancient life. Palaeontologists study fossils, which are the remains of animals and plants that lived in the past. Fossils can be found in rocks all over the world.

Palaeontologists use fossils to learn about how ancient animals and plants lived. They can also learn about the climate and environment of the past. Palaeontology is a fascinating field of study that can help us to learn more about our planet's history.

How can the word be used?

Palaeontologists study the fossil record to learn about the history of life on Earth.

palaeontology

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • palaeontology (the study of fossils and the life of past geological periods).
  • palaeontologist (a scientist who studies fossils).

Adjective:

  • palaeontological

Etymology

The word "palaeontology" is derived from the Greek words "palaios" (ancient) and "ontos" (being). The first recorded use of the word "palaeontology" was in the 18th century.

Question

What is palaeontology the study of?