Palaeobiology is the study of ancient life. It covers the history of life on Earth from the earliest organisms to the present day. Palaeobiologists use a variety of techniques to study fossils, including microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. They also use modern biological techniques such as DNA sequencing and genetic engineering.
The first palaeobiologists were 19th century naturalists who studied fossils in an attempt to understand the history of life on Earth. One of the most important early palaeobiologists was Charles Darwin, who used fossils to support his theory of evolution by natural selection. Since then, palaeobiology has developed into a highly interdisciplinary science. It is now used to answer a wide range of questions about the history of life, including the origins of major groups of organisms, the diversity and distribution of species through time, and how ecosystems have changed over time.
Palaeobiology is an important tool for understanding modern biology. The fossil record provides a unique perspective on the history of life that can be used to test hypotheses about how living organisms work. For example, studies of prehistoric fish have helped scientists understand how modern fish breathe underwater. Similarly, investigations into extinct animals can provide insight into how current animals might respond to climate change or other environmental pressures.