paleontology library

Paleontology is a historical science focused on explaining life on earth. The study of fossils can help us answer the question of where we came from.

Featured Article: How Fossils Work

Fossils tell a story, much like the clues at the scene of a crime. Researchers look for evidence and paleontologists study that evidence to answer questions about the past. See more »

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How Archaeology Works

Archaeology is the study of humanity's material remains -- even a piece of an ancient pot can tell us a lot about the past. But how do archaeologists make sense of these relics?

How do scientists determine the age of dinosaur bones?

Every time a new fossil is found, one of the first things scientists determine is how old that fossil really is. But how do they determine it, and how can they be completely accurate?

How Fossils Work

Fossils tell a story, much like the clues at the scene of a crime. Researchers look for evidence and paleontologists study that evidence to answer questions about the past.

When you think about fossils, you probably picture the big-money stuff: T-Rex skeletons, perfectly preserved mammoths and the like. Compared to them, the vast majority of fossils are relatively tiny and seemingly insignificant.

La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits, an area in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, where there is a natural accumulation of sticky asphalt derived from an ancient petroleum seep.

Paleontology

Paleontology, the study of fossils, or plant and animal remains from past geologic time.

Petrified Wood

Petrified Wood, wood that has been fossilized by being turned into stone. Petrifaction is a natural process that may form fossils from the solid remains of any plant or animal.