Paleontology is the scientific study that deals with the history of life through the analysis of fossil records. This fi___ involves exam_____ fossils—rem____ of orga_____ preserved i_ rock—t_ understand h__ ancient li__-forms evo_____ and ada____ to their surroundings. Paleontologists also use fossils to learn about ancient environmental conditions. Finding marine fossils in landlocked areas, for example, suggests that these regions were very likely underwater once upon a time.