Paleontology is situated at the intersection of geosciences and biology and has established itself as an independent and modern science throughout the 20th century. While general paleontology addresses topics such as fossil formation, taxonomy, evolution, stratigraphy, ecology, paleobiogeography, as well as the form and function of living organisms, special paleontology focuses on the study and description of individual fossil groups. "Life of the Past" encompasses paleontology in its entirety and is designed as an introductory work for students of geosciences and biology, as well as for interested laypersons.