Most rocks that contain land animal and land plant fossils were formed on land. The knowledge of where rocks were formed helps scientists map the world as it was millions of years ago. Such scientists are called paleogeographers. Paleontology aids in the location of oil. Oil is often found in rocks that contain certain fossils.
Oil companies use such fossils as a clue to where to find oil.
Vertebrate paleontology is concerned with extinct fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Paleobotany is the study of fossil plants. Michael R. Voorhies, Ph.D., Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Univ. of Nebraska State Museum. How to cite this article.