palaeontology
palaeontology — noun
1. the scientific study of prehistoric life by examining fossils — the remains of p
the scientific study of prehistoric life by examining fossils — the remains of plants and animals preserved in rock — to learn how life evolved and what Earth was like in the distant past.
Piotr chose to study palaeontology because he had always loved dinosaur bones.
uncountable noun after 'study'
The palaeontology team at the museum showed visitors how fossils are carefully cleaned.
modifier: palaeontology team / palaeontology collection
Mira decided to pursue palaeontology after finding a shell-shaped rock in her backyard.
A degree in palaeontology can lead to work in museums or on dig sites around the world.
The university library holds one of the largest palaeontology collections in Europe.
- fossil study
less formal; describes the same activity without naming the discipline
- paleobiology
narrower; focuses on the biological rather than geological aspects of ancient life
用法筆記
Frequently used as a modifier before nouns describing the field itself — e.g. palaeontology department, palaeontology conference, palaeontology student. The American spelling paleontology is also common.