Paleobiology | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

All Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., including the National Zoo, and in New York City are temporarily closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. We are not announcing a re-opening date at this time and will provide updates on a week-to-week basis.

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Our mission is to increase public and scientific understanding of the biological and environmental history of Earth through the study of fossil animals, plants, and protists. In addition to performing scientific research, we assemble and curate fossil collections that are studied by scientists from around the country and the world, we exhibit extraordinary fossils in the public spaces of our Museum and we help train future generations of paleontologists.

Further Your Research

We have over 40 million fossil specimens from around the world. Follow the links below to learn how our collections can further your research.

Collections Overview

Collections Access for Research

Specimen Loans

Opportunities

Research & Programs

Image depicts the fossil lab from the outside with four individuals behind the glass windows, surrounding a work station.

image depicts an open plain with scattered bones and a person in the foreground and a truck in the background

Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems

A T. rex skull

Our Experts

Our staff include experts in a variety of paleobiology subjects including fossil animals, plants, and protists.

Hans Sues: Chair of Paleobiology, Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Hans Sues

Kay Behrensmeyer: Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Kay Behrensmeyer

Matthew Carrano: Research Geologist and Curator of Dinosauria

Matthew Carrano

Bill Dimichele: Research Geologist and Curator of Paleobotany

Bill Dimichele

Doug Erwin: Senior Research Biologist and Curator of Paleozoic Invertebrates

Doug Erwin

hollis_Kathy_paleobiology

Kathy Hollis

Brian Huber: Research Geologist, Curator of Foraminifera

Brian Huber

Gene Hunt: Research Geologist and Curator of Ostracoda

Gene Hunt

Conrad Labandeira: Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Fossil Arthropods

Conrad Labandeira

Holly Little in front of drawers in the paleobiology collections

Holly Little

Nicholas Pyenson: Research Geologist and Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals

Nicholas Pyenson

Scott Wing: Research Geologist and Curator of Paleobotany

Scott Wing