Fossil vertebrate collections
The skull of a modern fish-eating crocodile, the Gharial, found in India.
The Palaeontology Department houses a large vertebrate collection containing fossils from all continents, particularly Britain and Europe.
The vertebrate collection includes
- the earliest bird, Archaeopteryx
- jawless fishes, the oldest vertebrate group to appear in the geological record
- the earliest tetrapods
- a wealth of dinosaur and marine reptile species
- the earliest mammal species
- mammoths and woolly rhinos that roamed in Britain during the interglacial ages.
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Fossil mammal collections
Our British holdings are the fastest-growing part of the fossil mammal collections, but we care for material from all around the world including a diverse collection of Mesozoic mammals. There is an abundance of type and figured material. Find out more about the collections and how to arrange research visits.
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Fossil fish collection
Founded in the 1880s, our fossil fish collection continues to increase in size and scope thanks to donations and fieldwork. It includes material from every modern continent and spans the Ordovician to the Pleistocene. UK fishes are particularly well-represented. Learn more.
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Fossil reptile collections
From the holotype specimen of the oldest known reptile to the first articulated plesiosaur, the Museum houses many important and historic fossil reptile specimens. All major reptile clades are represented among the 33,100 specimens and we care for one of the world's most important dinosaur collections. Find out more.
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Fossil amphibian collection
Our fossil amphibian collection includes material from the Late Devonian to Pleistocene, with type specimens of temnospondyl amphibians, microsaurs, nectrideans, frogs and salamanders. Explore the highlights.