ClimateAugust 13, 2026

palaeontologists

pay-lee-on-TOL-uh-jists

Definition

Scientists who study the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek roots 'palaios' (ancient), 'onta' (existing things), and 'logos' (study). It entered English in the mid-19th century to describe the study of ancient life.

In the news

The article introduces a team of palaeontologists who analyzed chemical compositions in ancient penguin fossils to reconstruct historical Antarctic climate conditions.

Ancient Penguin Fossils Offer New Window Into Antarctica's Changing Climate | Newswise

Read the full article ↗

Newswise

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