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The Department of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County promotes the study of fossil invertebrates (animals without backbones). We maintain collections of fossils from all major invertebrate groups including Porifera (sponges); Cnidaria (corals, jellyfish); Arthropoda (trilobites, insects, crustaceans); Mollusca (clams, snails, chitons); Bryozoa (moss animals); Brachiopoda (lantern shells); and Echinodermata (starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea lilies). We also have collections of trace fossils, including the tracks, trails and burrows of ancient organisms. Invertebrate fossils provide important clues to our understanding of earth history. They are the primary evidence for the rich history of life on earth. The vast majority of animals that ever lived are now extinct, and these forms can only be studied as fossils. Study of the diversity and distribution of ancient animals provides a unique window into the past and allows us to determine how life has responded to climate change throughout earth history.

STAFF

• Harry F. Filkorn, Collections Manager
• Mary Stecheson, Curatorial Assistant
• Edward C. Wilson, Curator Emeritus

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

• John Alderson, Research Associate
• Kenneth G. Johnson, Research Associate
• Elena Pérez, Research Associate
• LouElla R. Saul, Research Associate
• Robert J. Stanton, Research Associate
• Richard L. Squires, Research Associate