To identify what happened before the start of the Paleozoic era, scientists most likely use a technique that can date geological formations with a high degree of accuracy. This is necessary since we are dealing with time periods that extend far back into Earth's history.
The method most commonly employed for dating geological formations from such ancient times is Radiometric dating. This technique involves measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within minerals, enabling scientists to determine the age of rocks and fossils. Radiometric dating is crucial for identifying and dating events in Earth's history, particularly those that occurred millions or even billions of years ago, which would cover the time before the Paleozoic era.
Thus, the method most likely used to identify what happened before the start of the Paleozoic era is Radiometric dating.