Paleobiology (original) (raw)

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Our mission is to increase public and scientific understanding of the biological and environmental history of Earth through the study of fossil animals, plants, and protists. In addition to performing scientific research, we assemble and curate fossil collections that are studied by scientists from around the country and the world, we exhibit extraordinary fossils in the public spaces of our Museum and we help train future generations of paleontologists.

Further Your Research

We have over 40 million fossil specimens from around the world. Follow the links below to learn how our collections can further your research.

Collections drawer of fossil invertebrates

Research & Programs

image of three paleontologists preparing fossils in a lab

A T. rex skull

Our Experts

Our staff include experts in a variety of paleobiology subjects including fossil animals, plants, and protists.

Anna K. Behrensmeyer: Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Anna K. Behrensmeyer

Matthew Carrano: Research Geologist and Curator of Dinosauria

Matthew Carrano

Bill Dimichele: Research Geologist and Curator of Paleobotany

Bill Dimichele

Stewart Edie: Research Geologist, Curator of Fossil Bivalvia

Stewart Edie

Doug Erwin: Senior Research Biologist and Curator of Paleozoic Invertebrates

Doug Erwin

Brian Huber: Research Geologist, Curator of Foraminifera

Brian Huber

Gene Hunt: Research Geologist and Curator of Ostracoda

Gene Hunt

Conrad Labandeira: Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Fossil Arthropods

Conrad Labandeira

Holly Little in front of drawers in the paleobiology collections

Holly Little

Hans Sues: Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Hans Sues

Nicholas Pyenson: Lead Curator, Chair, and Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals

Nicholas Pyenson

Scott Wing: Research Geologist and Curator of Paleobotany

Scott Wing