"Principles of Paleontology"

Principles of paleontology are the foundational ideas that guide the study of ancient life through fossils. They include concepts like the law of superposition, which states that in undisturbed layers of sediment, older fossils are found below younger ones. These principles help scientists interpret the sequence of life on Earth, understand how different organisms evolved, and reconstruct past environments. By examining fossil characteristics, locations, and the relationships between fossils, paleontologists uncover the history of life, providing insight into extinction events, evolutionary patterns, and Earth's changing landscape over millions of years.