THE STUDY OF FOSSILS
The study of fossils is called paleontology (Greek palaios, ancient; ontos, a being; logos, word or discourse). Information gathered with the help of paleontology has greatly increased the knowledge of ancient plants and animals and of the world in which they lived.
Fossils represent the remains of such great numbers and various types of organisms that paleontologists have found it helpful to establish four main divisions within their science.
Paleobotany
Paleobotany deals with the study of [fossil] plants and the record of the changes which they have undergone.
Invertebrate Paleontology
This is the study of [fossil] animals without a backbone or spinal column. These include such forms as fossil protozoans (tiny one-celled animals), snails, clams, starfish, and worms, and usually represent the remains of animals that lived in prehistoric seas.
Because invertebrate remains are the most common fossils in Texas, this book is devoted largely to the discussion of invertebrate fossils and their method of collection.
[Vertebrate] Paleontology
The [vertebrate] paleontologist studies the fossils of animals which possessed a backbone or spinal column. The remains of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are typical vertebrate fossils.