Paleontology is a branch of science that deals with the

The correct answer is D. Paleontology is the study of life that existed in the past, as represented by fossils. It is a subfield of biology, but it also draws upon knowledge from geology and chemistry. Paleontologists use the fossil record to understand the evolution of life on Earth, as well as the history of the Earth’s climate and environment.

Option A is incorrect because the study of animal behavior is called ethology.

Option B is incorrect because the formation of new stars is a branch of astronomy.

Option C is incorrect because the origin and growth of plants is a branch of botany.