The Invertebrate Paleontology Collection is one of the most diverse collections in the Academy. Spanning across 59 different countries in all three geological eras, it represents nine different phyla that encompass a broad range of ancient life-forms that lack a backbone.
It is the oldest invertebrate paleontology collection in the United States, with historically important specimens gathered from over 200 years ago. The collection contains many rare specimens whose origins are rooted in places that no longer exist, due to human development and climate change.
Since its recent revival a few years ago, a vibrant, diverse departmental team of students, volunteers and staff has been forged under the guidance of Curator and Professor Jocelyn Sessa, PhD.
Researchers across the globe, hailing from as far away as Japan and Brazil, have begun to visit and study these fossils. And a dozen of Drexel University co-ops who worked in this collection have since launched into their scientific careers.
The Invertebrate Paleontology Collection is also stepping into the modern age. Joining Drexel’s College of Engineering and the College of Medicine in a collaboratively awarded National Science Foundation grant, the collection now utilizes a cutting-edge computed tomography scanner to digitize their fossilized specimens. These high-resolution images will provide innovative data to help reconstruct the past to better understand the future of life on our planet.
“The collections are like a time machine,” Sessa says, “allowing us to see what life was like in the deep past, millions of years ago. What makes them special and unique is their ability to tell us about ancient ecosystems, evolutionary history and the environmental conditions that existed long before humans walked the Earth.”
The Academy’s Invertebrate Paleontology Collection is a vitally important, highly captivating resource to the global scientific community.
You can support the Academy’s research efforts to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it by becoming a member or donating to our scientific collections.
Tú también puedes apoyar los proyectos de investigación de la Academia, y así ayudar a entender y proteger la riqueza natural convirtiéndote en miembro o haciendo una donación a nuestras colecciones científicas.