1855 in paleontology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paleontology or palaeontology is the study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.[1] This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, fossilised feces (coprolites), palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because humans have encountered fossils for millennia, paleontology has a long history both before and after becoming formalized as a science. This article records significant discoveries and events related to paleontology that occurred or were published in the year 1855.
Pterosaurs
New taxa
| Taxon | Novelty | Status | Author(s) | Age | Unit | Location | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pterodactylus suevicus[2] | Sp. nov. | Valid | Quenstedt | Kimmeridgian | Nusplinger Schist |  Germany |
Later named Cycnorhamphus suevicus |  |
Plesiosaurs
New taxa
| Taxon | Novelty | Status | Author(s) | Age | Unit | Location | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aptychodon | Gen. nov. | Valid | Reuss | Turonian | Jizeru Formation |  Czech Republic |
A pliosauroid. | |
| Brimosaurus | Gen. nov. | Valid | Leidy | Late Cretaceous | Unknown |  US |
A dubious plesiosauroid. | |
Museums
- The Albany Museum of Grahamstown, South Africa is established.[3]
