![Fossilized Devonian Sea Star KUMIP 483751 (Urasterella asperula). Has a round center and multiple tentacles, embedded in fossilized rock](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/21_9_placeholder_/public/images/2022/Devonian-Sea-Star-KUMIP-483731.jpg?h=ca7f5958&itok=7PO7nr5N)
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](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2020/invertebrate%20paleontology.jpg?h=a950df37&itok=UaygM_MC)
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](/sites/biodiversity/files/images/2021/46995042451_fa69c148d9_o.jpg)
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](/sites/biodiversity/files/images/2022/Holotype-Scaphites%20carlilensis-Cretaceous-heteromorph-ammonite-KUMIP32027.jpg)