Micropaleontology is a science whose aim is the study of microfossils. Micropaleontology is a branch of paleontology concerned with the study of fossils of very small size. The most commonly used observational tool is the binocular loupe; however, it is sometimes necessary to use higher magnifications, requiring an optical microscope or even a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This dimensional criterion means that micropaleontology is interested both in microscopic unicellular organisms and in remains (organelles) of large multicellular organisms. The field of micropaleontology is vast, and microfossils are numerous and diverse. The micropaleontologist has three main objectives:
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To focus on the study of their morphology, microstructure, and chemical and mineralogical composition.
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To attempt to classify them and determine their origin and systematic affinities.
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Finally, to seek to define their petrogenetic role, paleogeographic significance, stratigraphic value, and paleobiological importance.
Nowadays, it is difficult for a single researcher to master the entire field of micropaleontology. Each specialist must necessarily limit their work to a particular group, or even a subdivision of a group, defined systematically, geographically, or stratigraphically.