Final answer:
Paleontology is a branch of biology with subdivisions including Micropaleontology, Palynology, Ichnology, Invertebrate Paleontology, Vertebrate Paleontology, and Paleobotany, each offering specialized study of different types of fossils.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paleontology is a branch of biology that uses fossils to study life's history. It encompasses various sub-disciplines, each focusing on different aspects of past life. Some of the branches include Micropaleontology, which studies microscopic fossil organisms, and Palynology, the study of pollen and spores. Ichnology is concerned with trace fossils, such as footprints or burrows. Invertebrate Paleontology focuses on fossil invertebrates, such as shellfish, while Vertebrate Paleontology specializes in fossils of vertebrates, including dinosaurs, fish, and mammals. The field also includes Paleobotany, the study of fossil plants, which is essential for understanding the evolution of vegetation and its impact on ecosystems.