Paleontology: Frequently Asked Questions

Paleontology is the study of fossils. A fossil is defined as any trace of a past life form. Thus, although wood, bones, and shells are the most common fossils, under certain conditions soft tissues, tracks and trails, and even coprolites (fossil feces) may be preserved as fossils. Although most of the fossils that paleontologists study are several thousands to several billions of years old, there is no absolute minimum age for a biological structure to be a fossil. ...

Paleontology is a science that deals with the life of past geological periods as known from fossils.

Paleontology is the study of fossils. A fossil is defined as any trace of a past life form. Thus, although wood, bones, and shells are the most common fossils, under certain conditions soft tissues, tracks and trails, and even coprolites (fossil feces) may be preserved as fossils. Although most of the fossils that paleontologists study are several thousands to several billions of years old, there is no absolute minimum age for a biological structure to be a fossil. ...

Paleontology is the study of fossils. A fossil is defined as any preserved remains or traces of a past life form. Paleontologists study fossils to reconstruct the history of the Earth and the life on it.

Paleontology is the study of ancient life. This includes all forms of life including algae, plants, and animals. It also includes "trace" fossils such as animal tracks, burrows, molds, casts, etc.

Geology is the study of the Earth throughout its history, and includes the study of any processes that happen within the Earth (plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes) or upon its surface (climate change, glaciers, ocean currents, the evolution of life). Therefore, paleontology is only a small subset of geology that looks at life (in the form of fossils) as it has evolved through time. ...

During the summer months, Badlands National Park has an ongoing fossil excavation site known as "The Pig Dig" where visitors are invited to watch paleontologists at work. To date, over 14,000 bone specimens have been excavated from a location believed to have been a water hole 33 million years ago. The fossilized remains of 18 species of animals and one plant have been recovered through careful excavation of the site. During the summer season, the site is a popular destination for park visitors.

Archaeologists primarily work with human artifacts — objects that have been made by humans — and with human remains. Anthropologists work with humans — their cultures, societies, languages, and ways of life, in addition to their bones and artifacts. Some paleontologists do study the fossil record of humans and their relatives. However, paleontology as a whole encompasses all life, from bacteria to whales. Paleontology does not usually deal with artifacts made by humans. ...

No, at least not formal degrees in paleontology. Several of the museum’s researchers working on the project have obtained such degrees, yet there is a wide variety of volunteers working on the project who have a wide variety of background. Many of these volunteers have completed, or are working towards, the museum’s Certificate in Paleontology. Unfortunately, many universities do not offer actual degrees in paleontology. It is often treated as a specialization of geology or archeology. ...

Paleontology is the study of life in past geologic time. Archaeology is the study of past human cultures.

Archaeologists primarily work with human artifacts -- objects that have been made by humans -- and with human remains. Anthropologists work with humans -- their cultures, societies, languages, and ways of life, in addition to their bones and artifacts. Some paleontologists do study the fossil record of humans and their relatives. However, paleontology as a whole encompasses all life, from bacteria to whales. Paleontology does not usually deal with artifacts made by humans. ...

To get an idea of the things discussed on the list, click here for the archives. One of the Arabic translators, 50something Neal Robbins who lives in Arkansas, served in the US Air Force and was stationed in Turkey for a year where he learned Turkish and used his Arabic language skills learned in college, sends posts to the list on a regular basis dealing with everything from ancient philosophers and paleontology to ancient Middle Eastern, Far Eastern and European history.

Our office issues permits to do fieldwork in archaeology and paleontology on state, county, city and some private lands in Colorado, NOT on federal or tribal lands. Permit applications are available online from our web site. The permit rules, terms and conditions including minimum qualifications are spelled out in the state regulations . ...