Which discipline primarily includes historical science methods?

Paleontology is the discipline that primarily includes historical science methods because it focuses on studying the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossils and other geological evidence. This field employs various techniques to interpret biological and ecological patterns from past geological periods, including analyzing sedimentary rock formations and isotopic data to reconstruct ancient environments and evolutionary changes over time.

The methods of paleontology enable scientists to understand not only the organisms that existed in different eras but also how they interacted with their environment and the changes that took place across vast time scales. This foundational aspect of studying ancient life forms and their contexts is what classifies paleontology squarely within the realm of historical science, distinguishing it from the other disciplines listed.

Biochemistry, while it provides insights into the molecular basis of life, primarily focuses on chemical processes and structures rather than historical context. Physics deals with the laws of matter and energy, emphasizing empirical and theoretical aspects rather than historical narratives. Astronomy, though it involves some historical analyses, tends to center on the study of celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena rather than focusing specifically on the history of life on Earth.