This field of study offers opportunities to satisfy diverse research interests. We integrate paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry to interpret the history of the Earth, especially its biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Within this framework, we use many resources to reveal the mysteries of fossils and the world of yesterday.
paleontology; paleoecology; paleoclimatology
Geobiology relies on analysis of fossils in their geologic, and thus historical and environmental contexts to test hypotheses about the history of life.
Geoarchaeology and geoanthropology focus on the spatial, temporal, and environmental context of humans in the most recent phases of Earth history.
Our current research is focused on coral reefs, vertebrate evolution, the evolution of early humans, early angiosperms, and Cretaceous marine faunas. Our projects include the study of evolutionary paleontology, paleoecology, paleoclimates, phylogeny, functional morphology, taphonomy, biostratigraphy, and biogeography.
The IU Paleontology Collections, which contains more than 1.3 million fossil specimens, offers special opportunities for specimen-based research, teaching, and outreach.
Our students and researchers have access to binocular and S.E.M. microscopes, digital cameras, laser scanners, biogeochemical equipment, and x-ray diffraction facilities. Along with physical access to facilities, the Geobiology group is fortunate to have a wonderful support staff for help in areas such as technology, funding, photography, travel, and much more.
Our department has a solid foundation in Geobiology, Geoanthropology, and Geoarchaeology. Admired professionals have contributed greatly to the program throughout its history. Collections of over 125 years provide a substantive learning environment for any aspiring geobiologist. Research projects of this group have included work on calcareous algae, sponges, achaeocyathids, bryzoans, brachiopods, crinoids, chitons, corals, blastoids, bivalves, cephalopods, ostracods, conodonts, trace fossils, dinosaurs, mammals, snakes, and vertebrate footprints.
The College of Arts