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Paleontology: meaning, definitions and examples

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paleontology

 

[ˌpeɪlɪɒnˈtɑlədʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of fossils

Paleontology is the scientific study of fossils to understand the history of life on Earth. It involves excavating, analyzing, and interpreting fossil remains to reconstruct past environments and the evolution of organisms.

Synonyms

fossil study, paleobiology.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paleontology

This term is broadly used in scientific contexts to refer to the study of ancient life through the examination of fossils. It encompasses various sub-disciplines and is often used in academic and research settings.

  • She decided to pursue a degree in paleontology.
  • The conference on paleontology attracted experts from around the world.
fossil study

This phrase is more straightforward and can be used in general, non-scientific conversations to describe the examination of fossils. It's less formal and more descriptive, suitable for casual talks or educational contexts.

  • In school, we learned about fossil study in our science class.
  • Fossil study can provide insights into the history of life on Earth.
paleobiology

This term is used specifically to describe the study of ancient life forms and their biology, often focusing on their interactions with the environment and evolution over time. It is commonly used in specialized scientific research and academic literature.

  • Her research in paleobiology explores the diet and behavior of extinct species.
  • Paleobiology integrates concepts from biology and geology to understand ancient ecosystems.

Examples of usage

  • Paleontology helps us understand how ancient organisms lived and evolved.
  • The paleontologist discovered a new species of dinosaur through careful excavation.
  • Fossils collected by paleontologists provide valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'palaios' meaning ancient, and 'ontos' meaning being or existence.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century when the study of fossils began to gain popularity.

Historical Context

  • The first dinosaur bone ever discovered was in 1676, but paleontology truly started blossoming in the 1800s.
  • Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil collector in the early 19th century, made significant contributions to the field despite facing gender-based challenges.

Science

  • Fossils can reveal how ancient organisms looked, what they ate, and how they lived – like nature's time capsules.
  • The process of dating fossils helps scientists understand the age of different species and how life on Earth has evolved.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Jurassic Park' have popularized the idea of dinosaurs, sparking interest in paleontology among the public.
  • Paleontology has inspired numerous books and cartoons, giving kids a fun way to learn about dinosaurs and the past.

Education

  • Paleontology combines skills from several scientific fields, including biology, geology, and chemistry.
  • Many universities now offer specialized degrees in paleontology, reflecting its importance in understanding Earth’s history.

Translations

Translations of the word "paleontology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paleontologia

🇮🇳 जीवाश्मविज्ञान

🇩🇪 Paläontologie

🇮🇩 paleontologi

🇺🇦 палеонтологія

🇵🇱 paleontologia

🇯🇵 古生物学 (こせいぶつがく)

🇫🇷 paléontologie

🇪🇸 paleontología

🇹🇷 paleontoloji

🇰🇷 고생물학 (gosaengmulhak)

🇸🇦 علم الحفريات

🇨🇿 paleontologie

🇸🇰 paleontológia

🇨🇳 古生物学 (gǔshēngwùxué)

🇸🇮 paleontologija

🇮🇸 steingervingafræði

🇰🇿 палеонтология

🇬🇪 პალეონტოლოგია (p'aleontologia)

🇦🇿 paleontologiya

🇲🇽 paleontología

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,530, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.