MAIN Science Paleontology

Paleontology is the fascinating study of an array of life forms on earth, and how they became extinct or evolved throughout time.

Although dinosaurs remain a fascinating subject of study, this branch of science covers a lot of ground (and oceans!) in revealing what life was like before recorded time.

Luckily, paleontology helps fill in the blanks with revealing snapshots of evidence revealed in rocks, fossils and bones, and other remnants of plants, shellfish, insect and animal life.

In practice, paleontology is divided into vast swaths of geologic time.

This timeline is classified by era (Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic) then subclassified into periods (e.g., the Mesozoic era includes the Cretaceous, Jurassic and the Triassic) — all identified using a hi-tech process called radiometric age dating.

With rocks and strata properly dated, they are then placed into their proper geologic "bins" for comparitive studies, e.g., about weather or ecological disasters, the rise and fall of oceans, how land masses shifted and moved, or how animals evolved,

More about paleontology around the Web:

Around the Web, find out more about paleontology at some of the best sites offering pictures & multimedia presentations, timelines, facts & information, student & teacher resources, along with educated guesses and intriguing theories on the history of life on earth ...

ScienceDaily: Paleontology News - The latest photos and headlines from the field, reporting on new discoveries of dinosaur bones, fossils, and related finds.

The Paleontology Portal - An extensive guide to North American paleontology by state or time period including a fossil photo gallery, a directory of K-12 teaching resources.

Wonders of Paleontology - Seriously entertaining online exhibit from the Hooper Virtual Natural History Museum with a special look at fossils, dinosaurs, the Cambrian period, evolution, as well as life on other planets.

UK Fossils Network - Online community of UK enthusiasts with a guide to fossil hunting throughout England, Scotland and Wales with news & reports on recent finds, related event calendar, busy online forum, educational resources.

Fossil Pictures - Dozens of photo galleries from the Virtual Fossil Museum illustrating fossilized insects, fish, mammals, worms, sponges, plants, fossil amber and more.

SDNHM: Finding Fossils - Kid-friendly portal from the San Diego Natural History Museum with information on where to find fossils, what to look for, tools used in the hunt, how to assess findings, plus related presentations including a virtual dinosaur dig, a "Jurassic Park" FAQ, geologic timeline, online activities.

OZ fossils - Colorful, interactive guide to Australian fossils, dinosaurs and sea monsters with related timelines, illustrations, and streaming video, downloadable wallpaper.

I Want to Be a Paleontologist! - Advice for U.S. students & parents on the educatonal background required in high school through post-graduate studies, with related resources to more information.

also see -> Earth Sciences | Science History