Paleontology

The Division of Paleontology seeks to describe the diversity of extinct invertebrates and vertebrates, and explore the mechanisms driving their evolution and extinction.

In fulfillment of this objective, the division collects, maintains, and researches specimens of fossil and subfossil invertebrates and vertebrates, and the data associated with these specimens, aiming always to provide the highest standards of curatorial care, and to promote and assist access to the collections by bona fide scholars.

Paleontology Collections

Collection Fossil Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds The world's largest fossil amphibian, reptile, and bird collections (FARB) houses more than 30,000 catalogued specimens. Collection Fossil Fish Paleoichthyology research activities include the evolution of primitive jawed vertebrates and the earliest sharks.
Collection Fossil Invertebrates With more than 5 million specimen lots, this collection is one of the largest invertebrate fossil collections in the world. Collection Fossil Mammals The fossil mammal collection is the largest collection of its type in the world, with about 400,000 specimens.
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.