# paleontology

/ˌpeɪɫiənˈtɑɫədʒi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paleontology
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

the scientific study of life that existed in the past, especially through the examination of fossils. It helps us understand how animals and plants lived millions of years ago.

For teachers: the branch of science concerned with the study of life existing in former geologic periods, primarily through the analysis of fossil remains. Often involves the reconstruction of ancient ecosystems and evolutionary lineages.

## Examples

- She decided to study paleontology to learn about dinosaurs.
- The museum's new exhibit on paleontology features a massive skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex discovered in Montana.
- Advances in molecular biology have allowed paleontology to move beyond mere morphological comparisons, enabling researchers to extract ancient DNA from well-preserved specimens to trace genetic shifts over millennia.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.