Paleontology

Paleontology is divided into various subjects for the study of extinct species that once existed on the planet. A major part of the study is the process of fossilization and relationships of species to one another. Fossil specimens are assessed according to the geological structures they are preserved in. Preservation is based on corresponding geological processes; rock materials, climactic conditions, and the ecological processes present at the time the species was fossilized.

• None, but some knowledge of geology, taxonomy, anatomy, fossilization, evolution, ecology, and systematics would be of benefit.
• External study requires a field of specialization as a prerequisite, usually in geology.
• Time investment - Not described as to date, but maybe 30 minutes a day.

To learn how the process of preserving evidence of past life occurs, how it is used as evidence for evolutionary theory, the correlation of rock formations to fossilization, and the time periods of geologic structures.

This learning project offers learning activities to ____.

• Educate and pass on the knowledge of past events and their causes and consequences.
• Understand and develop hypothesis following the scientific principle of correct scholarly examination and to prove or disprove a theory on the basis of evidence provided.
• Also follow Paleontological Society Code of Fossil Collecting.

At the end of your studies your work should be produced in the following example, Maury, Carlotta Joaquina 1934, Fossil Invertebrata from northeastern Brazil. Bulletin of the AMNH ; v. 67, article 4 .

• Wikipedia Readings
• Wikibooks Readings
• External Resources

• Introduction
• Evolution
• Anatomy
• History
• Assignments

• Molecular Paleontology Reading Group - the recovery of DNA from ancient human, animal, and plant remains.
• Portal:Life Sciences