The Fossil Lower Vertebrates Collection at the Naturkundemuseum Stuttgart

The dataset "Fossil Lower Vertebrates" features a small subsample of the total collection of fossil fishes, amphibians, reptiles and birds housed at the Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart. Figured and type specimens make up the majority of the dataset. These include historical specimens from the 1700s and 1800s, as well as more recent acquisitions. The dataset consists primarily of material collected from Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

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Fossil Lower Vertebrates

The dataset shows a small part of the museum’s full fossil collection.

The collection belongs to the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart.

It includes fossil:

• fish,
• amphibians,
• reptiles,
• birds.

Most specimens in this dataset are type specimens or figured specimens.

A type specimen is an important reference specimen. Scientists use it to describe and identify a species.

A figured specimen is a specimen shown in a scientific publication.

The dataset includes historical specimens from the 1700s and 1800s. It also includes specimens collected more recently.

Most specimens come from Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Glossary

Dataset
A dataset is an organised set of related information.

Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remain or trace of a plant or animal from the past.

Specimen
A specimen is one animal, plant, or object kept in a museum collection.

Type specimen
A type specimen is an important reference specimen. Scientists use it to describe and identify a species.

Vertebrate
A vertebrate is an animal with a backbone. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are vertebrates.