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.