What do paleontologists primarily study?

Paleontologists primarily study fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. This field of study allows scientists to understand the history of life on Earth, including how various species evolved, their interactions with each other, and the ecosystems they inhabited. Fossils provide key evidence about the biological and environmental conditions of the past, offering insights into the evolution of life over millions of years.

While living organisms, genetics, and climate change are important areas of study in biology and environmental science, they do not fall within the primary focus of paleontology. Paleontologists specifically use fossil evidence to reconstruct the past, rather than studying contemporary life forms or genetic material directly. This unique focus on past life through fossil analysis distinguishes paleontology from related fields.