paleontology (n.)

before vowels pale- word-forming element used in scientific combinations (mostly since c. 1870) meaning "ancient, early, prehistoric, primitive, fossil," from Latinized form of Greek palaios "old, ancient," from palai "long ago, far back" (from PIE root *kwel- (2) "far" in space or time).

"the metaphysical science or study of being and the essence of things," 1660s (Gideon Harvey), from Modern Latin ontologia (c. 1600); see onto- + -logy. Related: Ontologist.

also palaeontologist, "one versed in the study of the former life of the Earth as preserved in fossils," 1836, from paleontology + -ist.