The scientific field that studies fossils and prehistoric life is known as paleontology. This discipline focuses on understanding the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossilized remains, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Paleontologists analyze fossil structures, distributions, and geological contexts to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand evolutionary processes. By studying fossils, researchers can trace the lineage of species, observe extinction events, and gain insights into how life has adapted over millions of years, contributing to our knowledge of biodiversity and environmental change.