Paleontology is the scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, which can include bones, shells, and even footprints. By analyzing these remnants, paleontologists can learn about the evolution, behavior, and environment of extinct species. This field combines aspects of biology, geology, and archaeology to reconstruct past ecosystems and understand how life has changed over millions of years. Notable discoveries in paleontology have included famous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, which help illustrate the diversity of life that once existed.