The area of Earth science that examines physical and biological changes that have occurred in Earth's past is called paleontology.

Here's a breakdown of why:

* Paleontology specifically focuses on the study of fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. By analyzing fossils, paleontologists can reconstruct the history of life on Earth, understand evolutionary processes, and learn about past environments.

* Physical changes are also studied within paleontology, like the movement of continents (plate tectonics), climate changes, and the formation of mountains and oceans. These geological changes are often reflected in the fossil record.

While other Earth science disciplines contribute to understanding Earth's history, like geology and geophysics, paleontology is the primary field dedicated to specifically studying both biological and physical changes over time.