Paleontology
The Division of Paleontology seeks to describe the diversity of extinct organisms, and explore the mechanisms driving their evolution and extinction.
In fulfillment of this objective, the division collects, maintains, and researches fossil specimens, and their associated data, aiming always to provide the highest standards of curatorial care, and to promote and assist access to the collections by researchers worldwide.
Paleontology Collections
Collections
Fossil Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds
The world's largest fossil amphibian, reptile, and bird collections (FARB) houses more than 30,000 catalogued specimens.
Collections
Fossil Fish
Paleoichthyology research activities include the evolution of primitive jawed vertebrates and the earliest sharks.
Collections
Fossil Invertebrates
With over 5 million specimens, this collection is one of the largest invertebrate fossil collections in the world.
Collections
Fossil Mammals
The fossil mammal collection is the largest collection of its type in the world, with about 400,000 specimens.
Collections
Fossil Plants
The paleobotany collection is the newest sub-collection, featuring diverse flora from the Lower Devonian onward.
Article
Vertebrate Paleontology Archives
Extensive archive of correspondence, field journals, maps, illustrations, and administrative paperwork.
Article
Paleontology Volunteers
The Division of Paleontology has a diverse crew of dedicated volunteers.
Database
Search the Database
Catalog data and images retrieved from this database system are intended for educational and scholarly use only.
Article
Fossil Identification
View some examples of fossils and how to identify them.