PALEONTOLOGYDefinition and Relation

to Geology

DEFINITION• Paleontology is the

scientific investigation of the past history of life on earth through the study of fossil remains of animals and plants

• The term itself originates from Greek, palaios, i.e. "old, ancient", on i.e. "being, creature" and logos, i.e. "speech, thought, study"

• Paleontology is the study of fossils and is concerned not only with their description and classification but also with an analysis of the evolution of the organisms involved. Simple fossil forms can be found in early Precambrian rocks as old as 3,500,000,000 years, and it is widely considered that life on Earth must have begun before the appearance of the oldest rocks. Paleontological research of the fossil record since the Cambrian Period has contributed much to the theory of evolution of life on Earth.

• Several disciplines of the geologic sciences have practical benefits for society. The geologist is responsible for the discovery of minerals (such as lead, chromium, nickel, and tin), oil, gas, and coal, which are the main economic resources of the Earth; for the application of knowledge of subsurface structures and geologic conditions to the building industry; and for the prevention of natural hazards or at least providing early warning of their occurrence. (For further examples, see below Practical applications.)

Sub-disciplines• Micropaleontology: Study of generally

microscopic fossils, regardless of the group to which they belong

• Paleobotany: Study of fossil plants; traditionally includes the study of fossil algae and fungi in addition to land plants

• Palynology: Study of pollen and spores, both living and fossil, produced by land plants and protists

• Invertebrate Paleontology: Study of invertebrate animal fossils, such as mollusks, echinoderms, and others

• Vertebrate Paleontology: Study of vertebrate fossils, from primitive fishes to mammals

• Human Paleontology (Paleoanthropology): The study of prehistoric human and proto-human fossils

• Taphonomy: Study of the processes of decay, preservation, and the formation of fossils in general

• Ichnology: Study of fossil tracks, trails, and footprints

• Paleoecology: Study of the ecology and climate of the past, as revealed both by fossils and by other methods

Relation to Geology• Paleontology incorporates knowledge from biology,

geology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, and even computer science to understand the processes that have led to the origination and eventual destruction of the different types of organisms since life arose.

• Some of our most valuable natural resources are either composed of fossils or derived from fossils. (Coal, Limestone, Marble, Diatomaceous earth)

• Petroleum industry - mapping and assessment of petroleum potential based upon the analysis of fossils, generally microfossils such as pollen and spores or marine microplanktonic forms.

• Paleontologists are responsible for the assessment of natural resources and the preservation of irreplaceable fossil forms. This work may include the development of environmental impact statements in association with the construction of highways, pipelines, buildings and other construction projects.