Definition: Natural history refers to the study of living organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their interactions with their environments. It encompasses a wide range of fields such as paleontology, ichthyology, zoology, geology, anthropology, and botany. The term "natural" in natural history implies that the objects studied are not artificially created but rather have been present for millions or billions of years. The study of natural history is often interdisciplinary and involves the use of scientific methods such as paleontology, ichthyology, zoology, geology, anthropology, and botany to understand how organisms interact with their environment. The field has its own distinct conventions and terminology, including a focus on preservation of biological material, the use of scientific terminology, and the recognition that living things can be both "natural" and "human-made."