Final answer:
The study of the processes that have affected a plant or animal between its death and the time it is found is called paleobotany. Paleobotanists analyze fossilized specimens to understand the evolution of plants and identify common ancestors. Fossils are formed when organisms are trapped in sediments or environments where their shapes are preserved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of the processes that have affected a plant or animal between its death and the time it is found is called paleobotany.
Paleobotanists analyze fossilized specimens retrieved from field studies to reconstitute the morphology of extinct plants. They trace the evolution of plants by studying the modifications in plant morphology and identifying common ancestors with similar traits. Fossils are formed when organisms are trapped in sediments or environments where their shapes are preserved.
The study requires careful collection and preservation of delicate fossils, as well as analyzing the geological sediments and fossil organisms surrounding them to determine their age and environment.
Learn more about Paleobotany