Paleontology

Definition of Paleontology as it relates to Science, Space Science, Natural Sciences

Paleontology is the study of life that existed prior to, and sometimes including, the start of the Holocene Epoch roughly 11,700 years ago. It encompasses the examination of plant and animal fossils, which are the remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock. Paleontologists interpret these fossil records to determine organisms' evolutionary history, their interactions with each other and their environment, and ultimately, their extinction. The field draws on various disciplines such as biology, geology, and chemistry. It is closely related to and can inform several subfields of the natural sciences like evolution, ecology, genetics, and geological time scale. In this hierarchy, Paleontology serves as a specialized area under Natural Sciences, providing valuable insights into life's past on Earth.

Note
  • [ucmp.berkeley.edu] University of California Museum of Paleontology
  • [lakeneosho.org] Paleontology and Geology of Missouri - St Louis Missouri - Fossils
  • [dinosaursnews.com] Dinosaur News - news about dinosaurs, prehistoric and extinct animals, fossils and paleontology
  • [vertpaleo.org] Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
  • [midamericapaleo.org] MAPS (Mid-America Paleontology Society) Sponsor of the Annual National Fossil Exposition
  • [cmpb.net] cmpb : Centre de Minralogie et de Palontologie de Belgique - Center of Mineralogy and Paleontology of Belgium
  • [Theropoda.com] The Schachner Lab at the University of Florida | Comparative anatomy, Physiology, and Paleontology
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