What is Paleontology? Paleontology is the branch of geology that deals with the study of life in the past geological ages. It is simply known as the study of fossils . Fossils are nothing but the remains, impressions, or traces of animals or plants. These animals or plants have been said to have lived in the geological past .These fossils provide direct evidence of life that existed millions of years ago. Why is paleontology important? To unfold the history of earth . To understand evolution better. To find and discover the climatic changes or the conditions of the past. To divide the earth's past into periods of the geological time scale . Examples of fossils Trilobites - they are extinct marine arthopods from the paleozoic era . Ammonites - coiled-shell organisms often used to date rock layers. Dinosaur fossils - evidence of giant reptiles that dominat...
What is Paleontology?
Paleontology is the branch of geology that deals with the study of life in the past geological ages. It is simply known as the study of fossils. Fossils are nothing but the remains, impressions, or traces of animals or plants. These animals or plants have been said to have lived in the geological past .These fossils provide direct evidence of life that existed millions of years ago.
Why is paleontology important?
- To unfold the history of earth.
- To understand evolution better.
- To find and discover the climatic changes or the conditions of the past.
- To divide the earth's past into periods of the geological time scale.
Examples of fossils
- Trilobites - they are extinct marine arthopods from the paleozoic era.
- Ammonites- coiled-shell organisms often used to date rock layers.
- Dinosaur fossils- evidence of giant reptiles that dominated the mesozoic era
- Plant fossils- plants such as ferns , leaves or petrified wood that shows ancient vegetation.
Role of paleontology in modern studies
Paleontology is not only about discovering fossils but also about applying them in modern science. It has a wide range of application in oil and mineral exploration. Paleontology is useful in the understanding of long-time climate change. It also explains biodiversity and extinction patter.
From tiny shells and plants to mighty dinosaurs, paleontology guves us an insight into earth's deep past. By studying fossils, geologists connect pieces of histoey that helps us understand the present and the past.
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