Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth. Paleontologists look at fossils, which are the ancient remains of plants, animals, and other living things. Fossils are mainly formed in two ways. In one case, animal or plant matter is replaced by rock over time, but the remains keep their original shape.

What do paleontologists do?

Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth as based on fossils. ... Paleontologists use fossil remains to understand different aspects of extinct and living organisms. Individual fossils may contain information about an organism's life and environment.

What do paleontologists study?

Paleontology combines geology and biology in the study of dinosaurs and other ancient life forms.