Paleontology Search Help

Queries of the SBCM databases operate by searching collection records for any string of characters entered in the Search Terms box.  Search terms are not case sensitive.

Search Term entered.  Example: Entering the term mojave will return all records that contain that term in any of the data fields.

Partial Terms may be entered in the Search Term box.  Example: Entering the term uat will return records of the taxon Hypsiglena torquata, records of specimens from the Quaternary period, and specimens collected from Quaternary sediment.

Multiple Terms may be entered in the Search Term box, separated by a space.  Example:  Entering Camelops Pauba will retrieve all records of Camelops from the Pauba Formation. (This is an "AND" search).

SEARCH RESULTS:
To Narrow the Search, view results of the first search; reenter more exact terms in the Search Term box.
To Sort the retrieved data, single-click on a column heading.  To reverse the sort, click again on the column heading.
To Retrieve further details for a record, click on the underlined object number, to open the detail page.  This page includes a Description field, which contains a full description of the object. The Description field is not searchable.

SEARCHABLE PALEONTOLOGY DATABASE FIELDS INCLUDE:
Object No = The museum catalog number for the specific item
Taxon Name = The most specific taxonomic name to which a fossil specimen has been identified.
Higher Taxa = More inclusive taxonomic names to which a fossil specimen has been identified.
Stratigraphy = Geological epoch, North American Land Mammal Age (NALMA), and geological formation identified for the fossil locality.
Geography = Geopolitical area in which the fossil locality is located
Locality Number = Unique number assigned to each fossil site in the database

DETAIL PAGE INCLUDES:
Description = a full description of the object

NOTE:
The online database only represents a portion of the collections. Many objects are catalogued as vouchers for large collections, and some collections are not included in the online database. The intent of the online catalog at this point in time is simply to demonstrate the breadth of the collections. Researchers should direct queries concerning collections to the curatorial staff for more complete information. Also note that electronic collections data are only proxies for actual objects. Although the database is regularly checked for quality its accuracy is not guaranteed. If you notice an error or omission, please contact the curator, escott@sbcm.sbcounty.gov