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

Here's why:

* Paleontology focuses on the study of ancient life, including fossils, the history of life on Earth, and how organisms have evolved over time. This includes examining changes in the physical environment, such as climate, landforms, and ocean currents, which have impacted the evolution and distribution of life.

While other fields like geology and climatology contribute to understanding Earth's history, paleontology specifically examines the interaction between life and the environment across vast time scales.