Fossils

Studying fossils teaches us about plants and animals of the past, including our human ancestors. Go back in time and discover the stories that fossils can reveal.

Identify fossils

An amazing variety of fossils can be found in Britain. If you'd like help identifying something you find or would like to know more about it, post your photos and questions in our forum.
Clues to Britain’s own ancient Atlantis

Watch a video about a significant bounty of fossils found on a UK beach. At half a million years old, they could point scientists to the oldest undersea archaeological site in the world.
Scott’s Glossopteris specimen

Glossopteris, an extinct fossilised plant, was first collected in Antarctica by Captain Scott’s Polar Party. Find out why this discovery has helped us understand how the modern Earth formed.
Fossil Folklore

From ammonites to sharks' teeth, explore myths about fossils from all over the world and find out the facts behind the stories.
The oldest fossil insect in the world

A specimen that has been sitting in the Museum's collection for over 60 years is confirmed as the world's oldest fossil insect.
Dino directory

Which dinosaurs lived in Britain? Check out our guide to over 300 dinosaurs and search by country, date or using the A-Z.
Dino-birds

Are today’s birds descendants of the dinosaurs? Explore the evidence that proved exactly that.
Earth-lab datasite

Find out about fossils, minerals and rocks discovered in your local area with the Earth Lab database.
Virtual specimens

Examine our virtual specimens, from fossilised trilobites to the bizarre Anomalocaris that stalked the seas 540 million years ago.
The search for DNA in amber

Scientists discuss the controversial debate over whether dinosaur DNA really can be extracted from the fossilized resin of ancient trees.
Cyclical fossil record research

Museum scientists discover new explanation for patterns in the fossil record.