The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

paleontology

noun

/ˌpalɪənˈtɒlədʒi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paleontology

The study of prehistoric life and the Earth's history as revealed through the examination of fossils and ancient remains.
"Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life, including dinosaurs."

Detailed meaning of paleontology

Paleontologists, the scientists who specialize in this discipline, investigate the fossilized remains of plants, animals, and even microorganisms to understand the evolution and diversity of life on our planet. By analyzing fossils and their geological context, paleontologists reconstruct the history of life on Earth, deciphering information about extinct species, ancient ecosystems, and the Earth's geological processes. Paleontology plays a pivotal role in our understanding of evolution, as it provides valuable insights into the origins and development of various life forms and helps us piece together the puzzle of our planet's geological past.

Example sentences containing paleontology

1. Fossils are the primary evidence used in paleontology.
2. Paleontologists use various techniques to study fossils, including carbon dating.
3. The study of paleontology can provide insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
4. Paleontology can also inform us about ancient environments and climate.
5. Many paleontologists specialize in a specific group of organisms, such as dinosaurs or marine animals.
6. Paleontology is a multidisciplinary field that draws on biology, geology, and other sciences.

History and etymology of paleontology

The noun 'paleontology' has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: 'paleo,' meaning 'ancient' or 'prehistoric,' and 'logos,' meaning 'study' or 'science.' Therefore, 'paleontology' literally means the 'science of the ancient' or 'study of prehistoric life.' This field of science involves the examination of fossils, ancient remains, and geological formations to unravel the history of life on Earth and gain insights into past ecosystems and environments. The etymology of 'paleontology' underscores its core mission of exploring and understanding the ancient and prehistoric aspects of our planet's history, making it a fundamental discipline in the study of Earth's past and the evolution of life.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun paleontology:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of paleontology

1. Famous paleontologists include Charles Darwin and Stephen Jay Gould.
2. Paleontology is not just about finding and studying fossils, but also about understanding the biology and ecology of extinct organisms.
3. Paleontological expeditions are conducted all over the world, from deserts to rainforests.
4. Paleontology is an active field with new discoveries being made all the time.
5. Paleontological research can have practical applications, such as helping to inform conservation efforts for modern species.
6. Paleontology unravels Earth's ancient mysteries through fossils.
7. The field of paleontology explores prehistoric life.
8. Fossils are essential to the science of paleontology.
9. Paleontology helps us understand Earth's history.
10. A paleontology dig uncovered dinosaur bones.
11. Paleontology is a fascinating branch of science.
12. The paleontology museum displays remarkable fossils.
13. Paleontology reveals the evolution of life forms.
14. Paleontology sheds light on extinct species.
15. Researchers use fossils in paleontology studies.
16. The study of paleontology informs us about past climates.
17. Paleontology traces life's journey through millennia.
18. A career in paleontology involves fossil analysis.
19. Paleontology bridges the gap between past and present.
20. The fossil record is crucial to paleontology.