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, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. By analyzing these remains, paleontologists can learn about the evolution, behavior, and environments of species that lived millions of years ago. This field combines aspects of biology, geology, and archaeology to reconstruct past ecosystems and understand how life has changed over time. Notable discoveries in paleontology include the Tyrannosaurus rex and trilobites, which provide insights into the diversity of life and the processes of extinction and evolution.