What is the study of fossils called?

The study of fossils is called paleontology. This branch of science focuses on understanding the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils. Paleontologists analyze these fossils to gain insights into the evolution of species, the ecosystems they inhabited, and the environmental conditions of different geological periods.

By studying fossils, scientists can reconstruct past biological and ecological systems, understand species diversity over time, and even learn about extinction events. Fossils serve as vital evidence of how life has changed and adapted through millions of years, helping to form a narrative of Earth's biological history.

While anthropology deals with human societies and cultures, geology is the study of the Earth’s physical structure and substances, including its processes and history, and archaeology examines human artifacts and remains to understand human history and prehistory. Paleontology, therefore, specifically relates to the study of ancient life through fossils, making it the correct choice for this question.