paleontology
Plants and animals that lived and died millions of years ago left behind fossils, or remains that were preserved in rocks and the earth. The scientists who study these fossils are called paleontologists, and their field of study is called paleontology. The word paleontology comes from the Greek words for “old” (paleo-), “being” (-ont-) and “study” (-ology)—therefore, the study of old beings. Paleontologists study all extinct life forms, from the fossils of large plants and animals to the microscopic remains of ancient bacteria and algae. The field of paleontology uses skills and information from many other fields, including mathematics, history, and geography. The work of paleontologists is similar to that of archaeologists, who study the remains of tools, buildings, and other objects from the past (see archaeology).
Paleontologists study ancient life forms to learn not only what the organism looked like, but also how and where it lived and what foods it ate. These scientists seek to know what enemies or predators that organism had, as well as the general effect of the environment on the organism's life and habits.
Paleontologists travel around the world looking for fossils. After the fossils are located, a paleontologist, along with a team of fellow researchers, removes the fossils from the rocks in which they are embedded. This must be done very carefully, otherwise the fragile fossils will shatter into tiny particles. Instruments such as dental picks and small brushes are used to remove the fossils.
The scientists make notes about exactly where the fossils were found. If there are many layers of earth at the site it is important to notice which layer held the fossils. This helps give the scientists an idea of how old the fossils are, since the layers build up over time. The soil and rock in which the fossils are found also provide the scientists with information about the environment in which the organism lived. The fossils are then packed carefully and shipped to a laboratory, where they are labeled and studied further.
Paleontology provides many answers about the types of plants, animals, bacteria, algae, and other living things that once existed on Earth and how those organisms developed over time. Fossil evidence of early humans, for instance, has shown how human beings evolved (see evolution). Paleontology can also tell scientists about what the Earth itself was like in the past, what kinds of climate the planet experienced, and how the climate changed. Scientists can use this information to understand events that are happening in the present and those that will happen in the future.
