1872 in paleontology


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 1872.

Molluscs

Taxon Novelty Status Author(s) Age Unit Location Notes Images
Scenella[2] Gen. et sp. nov. Valid Billings Cambrian Brigus Formation Canada
( Newfoundland and Labrador)
The type species is S. reticulata.

Dinosaurs

Taxon Novelty Status Author(s) Age Unit Location Notes Images
Agathaumas Gen. et sp. nov. Nomen dubium Cope Maastrichtian Lance Formation Wyoming Dubious ceratopsid
Colonosaurus Gen. et sp. nov. Jr. synonym Marsh Santonian Niobrara Formation Kansas Misidentified as a marine reptile, before association with body of Ichthyornis recognized
Eucamerotus Gen. nov. Nomen dubium Hulke Barremian Wessex Formation England Later given the type species E. foxi
Hadrosaurus agilis[3] Sp. nov. Valid Marsh Santonian Niobrara Formation Kansas Later given the genus name Claosaurus
Tylosteus Gen. et sp. nov. Jr. synonym Leidy Maastrichtian Lance Formation Montana Suppressed synonym of Pachycephalosaurus

Other animals

Taxon Novelty Status Author(s) Age Unit Location Notes Images
Aspidella[2] Gen. et sp. nov. Valid Billings Ediacaran Canada
( Newfoundland and Labrador)
The type species is A. terranovica.

References

  1. ^ Gini-Newman, Garfield; Graham, Elizabeth (2001). Echoes from the past: world history to the 16th century. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. ISBN 9780070887398. OCLC 46769716.
  2. ^ a b Billings, E. (1872). "On some fossils from the primordial rocks of Newfoundland". The Canadian Naturalist. 2nd series. 6 (4): 465–479.
  3. ^ Marsh, O.C. (1872). "Notice of a new species of Hadrosaurus". American Journal of Science and Arts. 3: 301.