Paleontology
The paleontology collection currently consists of about 2400 specimens of fossils from invertebrates (MHNC-UP / PAI), vertebrates (MHNC-UP / PAV), and plants (MHNC-UP / PAB), with 22 holotypes, 32 paratypes, 12 lectotypes, and 17 syntypes, mostly of fauna and flora from the Carboniferous region of São Pedro da Cova, in Portugal.
Part of the collection originates from purchases made by the University from the German natural history comptoir, Mineralien-Geschäft von Krantz at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The collection’s diversity and importance is also attested by the presence of important historical models of foraminifera, such as those acquired from Reuss & Frič for practical classes at the University.
The main lines of work associated to the collection at the moment include up keeping of specimens from the Portuguese Ordovician and Carboniferous, and supporting research projects as well as undergraduate and graduate studies. Other strands of work are focused on the design of the future vertebrate paleontology exhibition, which will feature dinosaur fossils and associated faunas from the Jurassic Period. The collection is currently in the process of being digitized.
Part of the collection originates from purchases made by the University from the German natural history comptoir, Mineralien-Geschäft von Krantz at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The collection’s diversity and importance is also attested by the presence of important historical models of foraminifera, such as those acquired from Reuss & Frič for practical classes at the University.
The main lines of work associated to the collection at the moment include up keeping of specimens from the Portuguese Ordovician and Carboniferous, and supporting research projects as well as undergraduate and graduate studies. Other strands of work are focused on the design of the future vertebrate paleontology exhibition, which will feature dinosaur fossils and associated faunas from the Jurassic Period. The collection is currently in the process of being digitized.
