Answer:
Paleontologists who study mammal fossils from Australia and India and hypothesize about their existence during a time when the two continents were connected are studying biogeography, which is the study of the geographic distribution of species and their evolutionary history. This field focuses on understanding the patterns of species' origins, dispersal, migration, and extinction through time and space, and how these patterns have influenced the current distribution of life on Earth. By studying the fossil records from these two continents, they are trying to understand the evolutionary history and the past distribution of these species, which can help shed light on the historical connections between the continents and the processes that have shaped the current distribution of species on Earth.
Example:
An example of a study in biogeography could be examining the fossil records of dinosaurs found in North America and Asia to determine if the two landmasses were once connected. By analyzing the similarities and differences in dinosaur species found in each location, scientists could deduce the patterns of migration, dispersal, and evolutionary history of these animals. This could help to shed light on the past connections between North America and Asia, and how these connections may have influenced the evolution of life on these landmasses. The study of biogeography is interdisciplinary and draws on fields such as geology, ecology, and evolution to provide a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of species and their evolutionary history.