Step 1: Understanding the Question.
We need the correct name of the field that studies fossils.
Step 2: Key Fact or Approach.
Breaking the word into its Greek roots helps here. Palaios means old or ancient, and logos means study or knowledge. Joining these gives the name of the science of ancient life forms.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Paleontology is exactly this science, the study of fossils such as bones, shells, and imprints left behind by plants and animals that lived long ago. It helps scientists understand evolution and the history of life on Earth. Checking the other choices rules them out quickly. Araneology is about spiders, coming from aranea, the Latin word for spider. Cardiology comes from kardia, meaning heart, and is a branch of medicine. Anthology is not a science at all, it is a term for a compiled collection of written works.
Step 4: Final Answer.
The study of fossils is called Paleontology, so option (b) is correct.