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Fossils

Exhibitions

Scanning Electron Microscope Lab

See how big discoveries can come from the tiniest things in the Gem and Mineral Hall.

Exhibition | NHM
Dinosaur Hall

Step Into Our Award-winning Exhibition, and Enter the Age of Dinosaurs

Exhibition | Tar Pits
Fossil Lab

What happens after the fossils at La Brea Tar Pits are excavated? This is where you find out.

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NHMLAC Discovery Talk with Keegan Melstrom

Join Dr. Keegan Melstrom as he explores his postdoctoral research of the dizzying array of Mesozoic teeth shapes, how they help reconstruct the lifestyles of extinct animals, and how the data is used to better understand how ecosystems change through time.

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DIY Paleoart

How do we know what a saber-toothed cat looked like? Short answer? We don’t! Here at La Brea Tar Pits, we only find the bones of ancient animals, so we have to get creative to visualize it.

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News & Press

Tooth Fast, Tooth Curious?

A new study uncovers a novel approach to a plant-based diet, unique to long-necked dinosaurs

These Hips Don’t Lie: 3D Imaging of a Pelvis Suggests Social Care for Saber-Tooths

A new study reveals saber-toothed cats suffered from hip dysplasia, an affliction common in pet cats and dogs, and points to supportive social structures for Smilodon.

New Fossil Rattles Moby Dick's Family Tree

Led by new NHM marine mammal curator, team discovers rare whale fossil in Panama, where fieldwork is difficult

Tiny Ancient Fossil From Spain Shows Birds Flew Over Heads of Dinosaurs

International team including NHM scientists study an exceptional 125-million-year-old bird.