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paleozoology

paleozoology

9.9
The study of animals that lived long ago using their fossils
  • noun
  • /ˌpeɪliəʊˈzoʊələdʒi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paleozoología
  • She decided to specialize in paleozoology after discovering her interest in prehistoric animals.

Examples

  • The study of paleozoology reveals much about ancient ecosystems.

  • The museum's exhibit on ancient mammals was curated by an expert in paleozoology.

  • Research in paleozoology helps scientists understand the evolution of animal species.

  • Many universities offer courses in paleozoology.

  • Research in paleozoology helps scientists understand the evolution of fossil animals.

  • She decided to specialize in paleozoology after discovering her passion for studying prehistoric creatures.

  • The museum's exhibit on ancient fossil species was curated by a leading expert in paleozoology.

Synonyms

paleontology
vspaleozoology
  • Specialized
13 7.5

The study of fossils and ancient animals and plants preserved in rocks

focuses only on fossil animals rather than all ancient life
fossilology
vspaleozoology
  • Specialized
9.6

The study of fossils to learn about ancient life and environments

focuses specifically on fossil animals rather than fossils and their environments

Surface Forms

paleozoology singular

Morphology

paleozoology = zoology (transparent) = paleo + zoo + logy

The word is built straightforwardly from paleo- 'ancient/fossil' plus zoology, so its meaning 'study of fossil animals' is largely compositional.

Etymology

Paleozoology breaks into three parts: paleo- meaning 'old' or 'ancient', zoo meaning 'animal' as in 'zoo', and -logy meaning 'study' as in 'biology'. So, paleozoology is the 'study of ancient animals'.