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

Here's a breakdown of why:

* Paleontology specifically focuses on the study of prehistoric life forms, including fossils, their environments, and their evolution.

* It uses various methods to understand the changes in life forms and the Earth's environment over millions of years.

While other disciplines like geology, geochronology, and climatology also contribute to understanding past changes, paleontology is the central field dedicated to the study of life and its history on Earth.