a branch of paleontology that deals with the origin and growth and structure of fossil animals and plants as living organisms 
                                                            
                                                     
                        
                                                
                        
                        
                            A branch of palaeontology dealing with the study of fossils as organisms rather than as features of historical geology.
                                                            
                                                     
                        
                                                
                        
                        
                            A branch of palaeontology that deals with the origin, development and structure of fossil animals and plants as living organisms.