Vertebrate Paleontology

The Department of Vertebrate Paleontology maintains a collection of more than 7,000 specimens representing all of the major vertebrate groups.

The collection emphasizes the Paleozoic, particularly the Devonian fishes. Of special interest is the Dunkleosteus terrelli, a 16-foot-long armored fish whose monstrous jaws acted as self-sharpening meat cleavers. Museums around the world display casts from this specimen, CMNH 5768, which is on exhibit in Kirtland Hall.

Other specimens of interest, also on exhibit in Kirtland Hall, are:
• the holotype skeleton of a 72-foot-long Haplocanthosaurus delfsi - see photo above
• a Late Jurassic Allosaurus fragilis skeleton
• the holotype skull of the Late Cretaceous Nanotyrannus lancensis, a small cousin of T. rex
• a mounted Late Triassic Coelophysis bauri

The department continues to conduct research on the Cleveland Shale shark and arthrodire fauna. The department has also re-expanded its research focus to include dinosaurs.

The Department of Vertebrate Paleontology offers programs giving an opportunity 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.

Visit Dr. Ryan’s blog for the latest news from the world of paleontology: Palaeoblog