palaeontology

/ ˌpælɪɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ; ˌpælɪˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of fossils to determine the structure and evolution of extinct animals and plants and the age and conditions of deposition of the rock strata in which they are found See also palaeobotany palaeozoology
2. another name for palaeozoology

Derived Forms

• palaeontological, adjective
• ˌpalaeˌontoˈlogically, adverb
• ˌpalaeonˈtologist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaeontology¹

C19: from palaeo- + onto- + -logy

Example Sentences

Tegan and mum Claire have been told by the National Museum Wales palaeontology curator that she is "fairly certain they are genuine dinosaur prints".

From BBC

Cindy Howells, Curator of Palaeontology at the National Museum of Wales, adds: "The collections from Lavernock go all the way back to the 19th century, with many sections of the bone bed being collected over the years. The presence of dinosaur fossils at the site ensure that it remains one of the most significant localities for palaeontology in Wales."

From Science Daily

Steve Brusatte, professor of palaeontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh, who is originally from the US, says stegosaurus specimens are very rare and, if genuine, this one belongs in a museum.

From BBC

Dr Matthew McCurry, Curator of Palaeontology, Australian Museum, said the discovery of three new genera of monotremes helps to piece together their remarkable evolutionary story.

From Science Daily

Co-authors from Museums Victoria Research Institute, Dr Thomas Rich, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology, and Honorary Associate Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich AO said these curious, unique and ancient Australian animals still have the power to interest the scientific world.

From Science Daily