University of Iowa Paleontology Repository

Centerpiece of scientific discovery

With its vast collection, the University of Iowa Paleontology Repository offers invaluable insights into Earth’s ancient past, helping us to better understand the evolution of life, natural processes, and the origins of today's ecosystems.

Discover a gateway to world-class research and education

The Paleontology Repository is a public research facility developed to support and fulfill the mission of teaching, research and service of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the University of Iowa. This is an international research resource that houses type specimens and makes them accessible to the scientific community as proscribed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The collection is the property of the State of Iowa, held in trust for the public.

A polished section of an ammonite, with a sectioned modern Nautilus in the background

Explore ancient wonders

Check out our spectacular and diverse collections—from crinoids to cephalopods, mammoths to microfossils, tortoises to trilobites, and beyond!

Explore ancient wonders

Gather research insights

Dive into the research and teaching efforts of the University of Iowa Paleontology Repository, where groundbreaking studies and educational resources bring the ancient world to life.

Gather research insights

Uncover hidden treasures

Embark on a journey through the University of Iowa Paleontology Repository, where you can explore fascinating fossils and uncover the ancient wonders of our planet’s past.

Uncover hidden treasures

Every discovery tells a story.

At the heart of paleontology lies the quest to uncover the past. It's about piecing together fossilized evidence, analyzing ancient life, and understanding how the world and its creatures evolved over time.

By exploring these remnants, we gain insight into not just what existed, but why those life forms thrived and ultimately changed the course of history.

Evelyn Gonzalez placing supports under fragile portions of bone.

Events

5th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00am to 11:00am

Ashton Cross Country Course

What types of plants, animals, and fungal life might you find at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory? Let's find out! Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory in our 5th Annual BioBlitz. Your findings will inform a major research project and will contribute to the fifth data point in a multi-year documentation of how diversity changes at this site over time. Collections will be housed with the UI Museum of Natural History...