palaeodendrology
/ˌpeɪlioʊdɛnˈdrɑlədʒi/
noun
- The scientific study of ancient trees and wood, often using fossilized tree rings to learn about past climates and environments.
- By studying tree rings in petrified wood, palaeodendrology can reveal droughts that occurred millions of years ago.
- Palaeodendrology relies on well-preserved fossil wood to reconstruct ancient forest ecosystems.
- The museum's exhibit on palaeodendrology showed how scientists date ancient wooden artifacts.