noun
- The study of the relationships between ancient organisms and their past environments, based on fossil evidence and geological data.
Usage: Also spelled paleoecology in U.S. English; Specialized field in paleontology and ecology
Examples
- Palaeoecology helps scientists understand how dinosaurs lived in their ancient habitats.
- By studying fossilized pollen, palaeoecology reveals what plants dominated prehistoric climates.
- The palaeoecology of the Carboniferous period shows a world very different from today.
- Researchers use palaeoecology to reconstruct food webs from millions of years ago.
- Palaeoecology combines evidence from fossils, rocks, and chemistry to paint a picture of ancient life.