The name for the scientific study of fossils is paleontology. This branch of science focuses on examining and interpreting fossilized remains of organisms to understand the history of life on Earth. Paleontologists analyze fossil structures, distributions, and the geological layers in which they are found to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and evolutionary patterns. This field provides invaluable insights into extinct species, evolutionary transitions, and environmental changes over geological timeframes, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and Earth’s history.