Invertebrate Paleontology

CMNH 2883:Phacops rana Middle Devonian (Givetian) Silica Shale, Sylvania, Lucas County, Ohio

Invertebrate Paleontology is the study of fossils of invertebrate animals—fossil animals that do not have a backbone (spinal column). Examples include: sponges, bryozoans, corals, arthropods (trilobites, pictured at left, crustaceans, insects, millipeds), brachiopods, mollusks (cephalopods, snails, clams), worms, and the trace fossils produced by invertebrate animals.

Our department's work includes the collection, preservation, curation, and interpretation of these fossils, but we work on other types of geological projects as well. View examples of our research at our current departmental publication list. 

For more information about our department, please see the listing of our Invertebrate Paleontology staff. For our series of urban field trips, see "Guided Field Trips Exploring the Cultural Geology of Cleveland."

For your research needs, we offer an online Invertebrate Paleontology Collections Database. 

Educational Opportunities

The Department of Invertebrate Paleontology offers programs for a more in-depth look at the discipline. Undergraduate students interested in a paid summer internship in this discipline are encouraged to investigate the Adopt-A-Student program.