Fossilized Devonian Sea Star KUMIP 483751 (Urasterella asperula). Has a round center and multiple tentacles, embedded in fossilized rock

Invertebrate Paleontology

Invertebrate Paleontology conducts research, research training and graduate education on the world’s fossil invertebrates – their relevance to evolutionary theory, their phylogenetic significance, as well as their paleobiogeography, paleoecology, and morphology.

Two students and two researchers examine a fossil
Photos: Above, students and researchers examine a fossil from the collection. Header image: Fossilized Devonian sea star, credit: Research Affiliate Steve Wagner

Research

Invertebrate Paleontology focuses on the study of macroevolutionary patterns and processes using analysis of the fossil record, especially trilobites and other arthropods.

shells

Collections

The invertebrate paleontology collection is ranked among the top 5 largest university fossil invertebrate collections in the country with over 900,000 fossil invertebrate and microfossil specimens from all over the world, including more than 11,000 type specimens.

Beautiful tan and green ribbed heteromorph ammonite from the Cretaceous, KUMIP32027