Definition

Noun: The branch of paleontology that deals with the study of microscopic fossils, such as foraminifera, ostracods, pollen, and other tiny remains of ancient life, typically requiring a microscope for analysis.

Usage

Micropaleontology is used to investigate past climates, date sedimentary rock layers, and understand ancient ecosystems. It is a specialized scientific field.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Micropaleontology is essential for petroleum exploration, as microfossils help identify the age and environment of rock strata.
  • Her research in micropaleontology focuses on fossilized pollen grains to reconstruct ancient vegetation.

Advanced Usage

• "Applied micropaleontology": The use of microfossil data in industrial applications like oil and gas exploration.
  • Applied micropaleontology is a crucial tool in the energy sector.

Variants and Related Words

• Micropaleontologist (n): A scientist who specializes in micropaleontology.
  • The micropaleontologist identified the age of the core sample.
• Micropaleontological (adj): Relating to micropaleontology.
  • The micropaleontological analysis provided new climate data.

Synonyms

• Microfossil paleontology: The study of microscopic fossils.
• Microfossil analysis: The examination and interpretation of microfossils.

Noun

1. the paleontology of microfossils