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Glite Dictionary
vertebrate paleontology

vertebrate paleontology

1 7.9
The study of fossils of animals with backbones, like fish and mammals
  • noun
  • /ˈvɜrtəˌbreɪt ˌpeɪliɒnˈtɑlədʒi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paleontología de vertebrados
  • As a researcher, she published several papers on vertebrate paleontology, highlighting the significance of mammoth fossils.
  • curator of vertebrate paleontology

Examples

  • I am in town for a conference on vertebrate paleontology.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Also known for excellent posture and impeccable attire, Jenkins left a large mark on Harvard and the world of vertebrate paleontology.

    Blog text (13)

  • Today, historians of science are rediscovering the Anning family's contribution and reevaluating Mary Anning's role as a woman of crucial importance in the history of vertebrate paleontology.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The conference I attended focused on vertebrate paleontology, covering recent discoveries in fossils of ancient fish.

  • During my studies at university, I learned a great deal about vertebrate paleontology and the evolution of land animals.

Surface Forms

vertebrate paleontology singular
vertebrate paleontologies plural

Morphology

vertebrate + paleontology

The phrase is a straightforward noun–noun composition: 'paleontology' (study of fossils) modified by 'vertebrate' (backboned animals), so the meaning is the branch of paleontology dealing with vertebrates. This compositional pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Vertebrate paleontology links the bold words vertebrate ('animals with backbones') and paleontology ('the study of fossils'). Imagine a scientist digging up a backbone or big bones and studying them to learn how the animal lived, and that is why the phrase means 'the study of fossils of animals with backbones'.