Palaeontology

Palaeontology is the scientific study of the history of life on Earth as revealed through the study of fossils. It is important to understanding the evolution of our planet, as it enables us to trace the history of species that lived in the past and understand the impact of environmental changes on their survival. Palaeontology is also useful in piecing together the Earth's history, including how climate, tectonics and other forces have combined to create the geology and ecosystems of our planet. Furthermore, palaeontologists can help to inform natural resource management decisions, such as where to look for fossil fuels.