If it weren't for paleontologists, we would never have learned about dinosaurs in the first place. From rookies to the experts, they have all made important discoveries. Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life, not just dinosaurs. While commonly depicted at digs like the one pictured, they also spend a lot of time in the lab studying the fossils. Leading paleontologists include: Matt Lamanna, Phil Currie, Lindsay Zanno, Jack Horner, Peter Larson, Robert Bakker, Thomas Holtz, and many others.