Research Collections

Databasing of the Collection

Databasing of the collection began in 1995 and remains an ongoing project. Approximately 91,000 records, including type specimens, have been databased. The department has also begun a project to capture specimen data from old catalog ledgers, some which date back to the founding of the Museum of Comparative Zoology in 1859.

Updates to Taxonomic & Stratigraphic Data

Upgrading taxonomy, specimen and stratigraphic data is a continuing effort. It is an integral part of the databasing process, allowing the most up-to-date specimen data to be captured. Since 2001, the department has worked with various professional paleontologists as consultants for this project. Thus far, information has been updated on the following collections:

• Nautiloids
• Paleozoic bivalves
• Charles Walcott’s Collection from Walcott Rust Quarry in Central New York
• Fisk Holbrook Day Collection of Silurian Reef material from Wisconsin and Illinois
• Czech trilobites from the Jan Michal Schary Collection
• Devonian brachiopods from Germany
• Permian brachiopods from the Glass Mountains of West Texas