1. the scientific study of fossils and ancient life forms, including their structure, evolution, and environment.
Usage: Also spelled 'paleontology' in U.S. English.; Academic and scientific field.

Examples

• She earned her degree in palaeontology and now works at a natural history museum.
• Palaeontology has revealed how dinosaurs evolved over millions of years.
• The fossil record studied in palaeontology shows the history of life on Earth.
• His research in palaeontology focuses on ancient marine creatures.
• Palaeontology combines biology, geology, and chemistry to understand extinct species.
• The discovery was significant for palaeontology because it provided new evidence about human ancestors.