INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY

The Invertebrate Paleontology Department of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is one of the largest collections in the Museum and one of the largest of its kind in North America, with an estimated 6-7 million specimens. We are responsible for curating fossils that record much of the history of life on Earth, and in particular the origins and development of Southern California. These include fossils of mollusks (snails, clams), arthropods (trilobites, crabs, insects), brachiopods, echinoderms, corals, and trace fossils (trackways).

The Invertebrate Paleontology Department provides numerous volunteer opportunities and an active internship program for teachers and students. We actively lead field collecting expeditions, and involve our volunteers and interns in all aspects of the care and curation of the ancient treasures we find. Our collections are often visible at museum and educational events throughout the year.

The care and curation of a collection of this size requires significant resources. We can provide the training opportunities for young paleontologists. Can you help us provide the resources for them to use?
Support the Invertebrate Paleontology Department by making a donation to the Museum Fund today!